Alonso Criticizes LaLiga’s Miami Match Decision
Xabi Alonso has voiced his concerns over LaLiga’s decision to hold a match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami, stating that it distorts competition. He also provided an update on Jude Bellingham’s fitness ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Getafe.
During a recent home match against Girona, Barcelona players initiated a symbolic 15-second interruption after the kickoff to protest LaLiga’s choice to relocate their regular-season match against Villarreal to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, scheduled for December 20. Tickets for the game will be available for purchase next week.
The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) announced on Friday that players would demonstrate their disapproval of the league’s “lack of transparency, dialogue, and coherence” regarding the Miami match.
The AFE did not outline the details of the protest. However, in the weekend’s first LaLiga fixture, Real Oviedo faced Espanyol, and both teams joined in a 15-second pause.
While the AFE indicated that Barcelona and Villarreal players would not be compelled to participate in the protest, citing potential issues with their clubs, it confirmed their support for the action. When Girona kicked off and also paused for 15 seconds, Barcelona players similarly remained still until play resumed.
“We weren’t part of the protest, but we felt it was important to show solidarity with our fellow professionals,” stated Barcelona midfielder Pedri.
Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over Girona with a late goal from Ronald Araujo, propelling Hansi Flick’s team to the top of LaLiga ahead of Real Madrid’s match on Sunday.
LaLiga has sought to host a game in the United States since 2017 and has finally received approval from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA. Although Barcelona and Villarreal have agreed to participate, opposition exists among other LaLiga teams.
Real Madrid has been particularly vocal against the move, claiming it would offer an unfair advantage to the participating teams and would set a troubling precedent.
Even Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong expressed his disagreement with the plans, acknowledging Madrid’s concerns regarding the potential benefit of playing in a neutral venue.
Barcelona’s coach Hansi Flick also expressed discomfort with the situation but affirmed his respect for the decisions made by the league and involved clubs.
Following the on-field demonstrations, the next steps from the AFE remain uncertain. While the union’s approval is not necessary for the game to occur, AFE president David Aganzo has been in discussions with political parties regarding possible future actions.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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