'We are willing to be bold' - La Liga U.S. chief backs controversial Barcelona-Villarreal match in Miami for success, despite criticism

Garcia Hemme said that, although local fans have questioned the scheduling of the fixture - due to be played on Dec. 20 in Miami - it is part of a wide-ranging venture to encourage La Liga's growth in the United States. 

"This is strategic for us. It is very important for us to make sure that people understand that we as La Liga are willing to be bold, are willing to be innovative, are willing to try things in a different way, and we're gonna try," he told GOAL following a media event in New York City on Tuesday.

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While Garcia Hemme, LALIGA North America Managing Director, is confident about the success of the match, he also admitted that the decision could alienate some fans in Spain. Numerous groups of both Villarreal and Barcelona supporters have pointed out that playing a fixture so far from home will prevent season ticket holders from attending.

The game was due to be hosted at Villarreal, a key match on the calendar and a potential significant moneymaker for the club. Real Madrid sit at the top of the La Liga table, followed by Barcelona and Villarreal.

"So even with the game, there's been conversations about a compensation plan for the fans of Villarreal at home, that is something that costs a lot of money, and we are willing to do the investment," Garcia Hemme said. 

The club has suggested that they will offer free travel to Miami for the game for supporters.

The fixture has been in the works for a while now. La Liga first attempted to play a game abroad in January 2019, when they floated the possibility of Barcelona facing Girona in Miami. But that idea was quickly scrapped after the Spanish Football Federation voiced strong opposition.

Since then, though, the idea has gathered steam, with league president Javier Tebas leading the charge.

La Liga, for their part, have also insisted that they're eager to honor U.S. fans of both Barca and Villarreal. That desire - not financial incentives - they insist, is the driving force behind the controversial fixture. 

"We are willing to do the investment to make sure that we balance the feelings of both fans in the U.S. that wake up at 5 a.m. to watch a game in LA and are willing to travel to Miami to watch that game, and fans in Villarreal that are season ticket holders and feel that the club is part of their lifestyle," Garcia Hemme said. "So it is part of what we are exploring is how we are able to make everybody decently happy with this initiative."