AFPBarcelona release statement following La Liga's shocking decision to cancel Miami clash against Villarreal
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.
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AFPLa Liga doubles down on global ambition despite backlash
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."
AFPVillarreal left frustrated by timing and communication
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.
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