Barcelona release statement following La Liga's shocking decision to cancel Miami clash against Villarreal

Barcelona acknowledged La Liga and Relevent Sports’ decision to cancel the league fixture planned for December 20 in Miami. The Catalan club expressed its disappointment but also made it clear that it respects the decision made by the competition organisers following weeks of uncertainty and controversy surrounding the plan.

"FC Barcelona respects and accepts the decision to cancel the game against Villarreal in Miami corresponding to the week 17 of La Liga, in the same way that the Club accepted and respected the decision taken in the past to play the game in the US," the club said in a statement.

"FC Barcelona regret the missed opportunity to expand the competition's image in a strategic market with a great capacity for growth and generation of resources for everyone.

"The Club is grateful for the unconditional support and affection of our fans in the USA and regrets deeply that they are denied the opportunity to see an official game in their country," Barca statement reads.

La Liga released a detailed statement confirming the cancellation and emphasising its disappointment over the lost opportunity to expand Spanish football internationally. Organisers Relevent had advised against proceeding, citing growing unrest in Spain and insufficient planning time.

La Liga said the decision to scrap the event was down to "the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks", and expressed its regret at missing an "unparalleled opportunity for the international expansion of Spanish soccer", that will now not be able to advance.

"Holding an official match outside our borders would have been a decisive step in the global growth of the competition, strengthening the international presence of clubs, the positioning of players, and the visibility of Spanish soccer in a strategic market such as the United States," a statement read. "The project fully complied with all federative regulations and did not affect the integrity of the competition, as confirmed by the competent institutions responsible for ensuring compliance, which opposed it for other reasons.

"In an increasingly competitive global landscape, where leagues such as the Premier League or competitions like the UEFA Champions League continue to expand their reach and ability to generate revenue, initiatives like this are essential to ensure the sustainability and growth of Spanish soccer. Renouncing such opportunities hinders the generation of new income, limits clubs’ capacity to invest and compete, and reduces the international projection of the entire Spanish soccer ecosystem."

The fallout reached new heights when players across every La Liga game staged a coordinated 15-second silent protest at kick-off last weekend. Organised by players’ union AFE, the gesture was aimed at criticising the lack of transparency and consultation over the Miami fixture. Broadcasters initially avoided showing the protests, which only fuelled the controversy further.

Real Madrid also stepped in formally, filing two complaints to Spain’s Sports Ministry. Their stance was clear: moving a domestic fixture abroad mid-season would compromise the league’s competitive integrity. Thibaut Courtois echoed this view, saying it would “totally affect the competition,” while Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong insisted the plan was “not good for the players” due to travel demands and fairness concerns. Hansi Flick added that his squad were “not happy” with how the announcement was handled.

As La Liga’s plan crumbled, attention turned to others in Europe. Italy’s Serie A confirmed that AC Milan will face Como in Perth, Australia, in February becoming the first major European league to officially take a competitive fixture abroad. The contrast has reopened the debate over whether leagues should prioritise global expansion or protect domestic traditions and player welfare.

Villarreal, who were set to face Barcelona in Miami, criticised the league’s handling of the situation. Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral was left stunned after La Liga made the cancellation public after their 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League.

"For me, it shows an absolute lack of respect to put out a statement at half-time of our game about something that was planned but will not happen," Marcelino told reporters. "It's a lack of respect to the directors of this club, the club itself, the professionals and the fans. Tomorrow the club will make a statement about what they think, but those are my thoughts right now."

Following the cancellation, Villarreal will now host Barcelona at the Estadio de la Ceramica on December 21 instead of travelling to the United States. The club is expected to release its own official statement shortly, while internally, frustration remains over commercial decisions being announced without proper coordination with sporting schedules.