Real Madrid Oppose Plans to Move Villarreal vs Barcelona La Liga Match to the U.S

Real Madrid have firmly rejected proposals to stage Villarreal’s La Liga clash with Barcelona in the United States, describing the idea as a move that “sets an unacceptable precedent.” Sport360NG reports.

The match is currently scheduled for 21 December at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Cerámica. However, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approved a plan on Monday to hold the game in America. The RFEF now intends to seek clearance from FIFA and UEFA to relocate the fixture to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup.

In a statement, Real Madrid expressed “strongest rejection of the proposal,” warning that carrying it out would have serious consequences for football globally.

The Spanish football supporters’ association (FASFE), along with fan groups from Barcelona and Villarreal, have voiced their opposition and threatened potential legal action should the plan proceed.

Despite the backlash, Villarreal president Fernando Roig emphasized the opportunity to grow the club’s international presence. “We have to expand the brand of our football and Villarreal CF,” Roig said. “Many clubs see the need to internationalize and explore revenue streams to better compete with leagues like the Premier League.”

Currently, FIFA regulations prohibit domestic league games from being played abroad, though a working group was formed last year to examine the possibility. La Liga previously considered hosting Barcelona’s match against Atletico Madrid in Miami but abandoned the plan due to scheduling issues.

Real Madrid, who hold a record 36 La Liga titles, argued that moving Villarreal’s home fixture would disrupt competitive balance and provide an unfair advantage to the visiting teams. Barcelona is scheduled to host Villarreal at Camp Nou on 1 March 2026.

“The integrity of the competition requires that all matches take place under equal conditions for every team,” Real stated. “Unilaterally changing this structure undermines fairness, jeopardizes legitimacy, and sets a dangerous precedent, opening the door to decisions driven by interests other than sport, ultimately risking the competition’s integrity.”

The club has petitioned FIFA not to authorize the U.S. game without approval from all La Liga teams and urged UEFA to encourage the RFEF to withdraw its request.

Similar overseas fixtures, such as the Italian and Spanish Super Cups, have taken place in recent years. AC Milan is also hoping to relocate a Serie A match against Como to Perth, Australia, to avoid clashing with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony at the San Siro in February, though official approvals from FIFA, UEFA, Football Australia, and the AFC are still pending.