'We're not happy' - UEFA powerless to block scheme to play Barcelona vs Villarreal in USA as president speaks out against La Liga proposal

UEFA president Ceferin has spoken out strongly against La Liga’s proposal to stage Barcelona’s clash with Villarreal in Miami this December. The idea, backed by La Liga chief Javier Tebas and both clubs, would see Spanish football head to the U.S. after earlier failed attempts to export fixtures overseas. UEFA, however, has admitted their hands are tied, as the Spanish federation has already approved the plan alongside Italian authorities, who are working on a similar project to host a Serie A fixture between AC Milan and Como in Australia.

At the heart of the debate lies the growing tension between football as a cultural institution and football as a global business. For leagues like La Liga and Serie A, exporting high-profile matches to the United States or Australia represents a massive opportunity for revenue growth, broadcasting rights, and new fan engagement.

But for UEFA, the move undermines the very traditions that make European football unique. If Villarreal vs Barca does go ahead in Miami, it risks setting a precedent where commercial interests outweigh supporters’ access to the game, and could further widen the rift between clubs chasing global exposure and fans wanting local loyalty respected. 

Ceferin has voiced his displeasure over European clubs staging competitive fixtures abroad: “We will open this discussion also with FIFA and with all the federations, because I don’t think it’s a good thing,” he told POLITICO. “OK, if it’s an exception, fine; if there’s a reason, fine. But, in principle, European teams should play in Europe, because the fans that are supporting them live in Europe. It’s a big tradition."

The Slovenian admitted UEFA’s hands are tied for now, with both the Spanish and Italian federations greenlighting the idea, adding “We’re not happy but, as much as we checked legally, we don’t have much space here if the federations agree, and both [Spanish and Italian] federations agreed.

"But I think that for the future we’ll have to discuss this very seriously because the football should be played in Europe, fans should watch football at home. They cannot travel to Australia or the U.S. to watch their teams."

The final decision on Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami is expected on 11 September, when UEFA’s Executive Committee meets in Albania. While UEFA are exploring legal avenues, Ceferin has all but confirmed that their options are limited. Even if these fixtures go ahead, his comments suggest this is not the end of the debate.