Barcelona’s home match against Girona on Saturday, December 16, 2023, began with a notable protest against LaLiga’s decision to relocate their upcoming fixture against Villarreal to Miami. The game, originally scheduled for December 20, will now take place at the Hard Rock Stadium, with tickets set to go on sale next week.
In a demonstration of unity, Barcelona players delayed the kickoff by 15 seconds, mirroring a similar protest from the previous day’s match between Real Oviedo and Espanyol. This action was organized by the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE), which has voiced concerns over LaLiga’s approach to the Miami game, citing a “lack of transparency, dialogue, and coherence.”
While the AFE did not mandate participation in the protest, they expressed support for the action. Barcelona players, along with their Girona counterparts, paused before commencing play, emphasizing their solidarity with the AFE’s stance. This protest comes amid a broader debate within LaLiga, as clubs express differing opinions on the implications of playing in the United States.
LaLiga has sought to host a match in the U.S. since 2017 and appears closer to achieving this goal after receiving approval from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA. Both Barcelona and Villarreal have agreed to participate, yet significant opposition remains. Real Madrid has been particularly vocal, arguing that the Miami match creates an “undue sporting advantage” and sets a “dangerous precedent” for future fixtures.
Concerns from players also surfaced, with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong publicly expressing his disapproval of the Miami plans. He acknowledged the potential benefits for Barcelona, as the game would effectively serve as a neutral away match.
Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, echoed the sentiments of his players, stating he is “not happy” about the decision but respects the choices made by the league and the clubs involved.
As the protests took place, the AFE’s next steps remain uncertain. Although the union does not need to endorse the Miami game for it to proceed, AFE president David Aganzo has indicated discussions with political parties regarding future actions.
The landscape of Spanish football continues to evolve as clubs navigate the complexities of international matches and their impact on the traditional framework of the sport. The outcome of these protests and the Miami match itself may significantly influence the relationship between players, clubs, and the governing body of Spanish football.
