Javier Tebas says Barcelona and Villarreal clash in Miami is an ‘historic step’

LaLiga president Javier Tebas said the match between Barcelona and Villarreal to take place in Miami in December will be an “historic step” and urged critics to consider the plan “in context.”

UEFA confirmed on Monday that it will allow the fixture to be played in the United States, as well as approving AC Milan’s Serie A match against Como to be staged in Perth, Australia next February, but said it remains opposed to domestic league matches being hosted outside their home country.

The fixtures were “reluctantly” approved at a meeting of UEFA’s executive committee in September, though president Alexander Ceferin said the decision was “exceptional” and would not set a precedent.

In a statement on Wednesday, Tebas said: “This match is an historic step that takes LaLiga and Spanish football to an all-new level.

“We understand and respect the concerns this decision may raise, but it is important to put it into context: this is one game out of the 380 that make up the season.

“LaLiga represents millions of fans around the world including many who follow their teams passionately and deserve the chance to experience seeing them live at least once.

“The match is about bringing our football closer to that global fanbase without diminishing enjoyment for those who enjoy it week in, week out in stadiums across Spain.”

Barcelona said that Villarreal season-ticket holders will be compensated for the match with fans “able to travel to the match in Miami free of charge,” with those choosing not to attend receiving a 30 per cent refund on season tickets.

Club president Joan Laporta said: “We are looking forward to reconnecting with all our fans in the United States and are grateful to LaLiga for the opportunity to get closer to one of the club’s key strategic markets.

“We have been visiting the country for many years and have always felt the passion that FC Barcelona inspires.”

A further statement from the club said: “This milestone further strengthens the image of Spanish football as a globe pioneer and benchmark. It also recognises the growing popularity of football in the United States coming at a pivotal moment ahead of the 2026 World Cup hosted jointly by the US, Mexico and Canada.”

The game will be hosted at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium which has a capacity of 65,000.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig focused on the potential benefits of the venture to his club, claiming it is “a unique opportunity for Villarreal to further its growth and strengthen its presence in a market as significant as the United States.”

FIFA is still in the process of finalising new regulations, with the governing body yet to give its formal approval for the proposals.

In response, UEFA said it felt obliged to approve the requests from Serie A and from LaLiga due to the absence of a “clear and detailed” framework.