‘Stop this madness’ – Barcelona take huge step towards playing first-of-its-kind LaLiga fixture

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has approved LaLiga’s request to hold a league match overseas for the first time.

Barcelona’s trip to Villarreal in December could now take place 11 hours away in Miami.

Barcelona's trip to face Villarreal has moved a step closer to being played abroad

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Barcelona’s trip to face Villarreal has moved a step closer to being played abroadCredit: Getty
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - MAY 14: A general aerial view of the Hard Rock Stadium on May 14, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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LaLiga plans to hold the fixture at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FloridaCredit: Getty

LaLiga had requested the match take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.

The 64,767-capacity venue is set to host matches at next summer’s World Cup.

It would see the fixture, scheduled for December 21, moved away from Villarreal’s Estadi de la Ceramica home.

The RFEF are now seeking FIFA and UEFA approval in order to move forward with their plans.

Villarreal vs Barcelona will become the first European league fixture played abroad if the proposed move goes ahead.

However, FIFA’s rules do not currently allow domestic league matches to be played overseas.

A statement from the RFEF read: “At its meeting on 11 August 2025, the RFEF board of directors received a request from Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona to play their match on matchday 17 of the first division in the United States.

“The Royal Spanish Football Federation will submit the request to Uefa to begin the process for subsequent authorisation by Fifa for the match to be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 20 December 2025.”

Fan response to LaLiga plans

The plans have been strongly opposed by fans in Spain, including those of both clubs.

In a joint-statement, the Spanish football supporters association along with Barca and Villarreal’s fan groups expressed their ‘absolute, total and firm opposition’ to the move.

Villarreal vs Barcelona is currently scheduled for December 21 at the Estadi de la Ceramica

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Villarreal vs Barcelona is currently scheduled for December 21 at the Estadi de la CeramicaCredit: Getty
Fans of both clubs have released a joint-statement opposing the plans

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Fans of both clubs have released a joint-statement opposing the plansCredit: Getty

They also urged the RFEF to ‘stop this madness’ by cancelling the planned venue change.

The Spanish Super Cup is already played overseas, having only been held in Spain once since 2018.

Both Morocco and Saudi Arabia have served as hosts, with the latter staging the last four editions.

Meanwhile, the Italian Super Cup has also been held in the Middle Eastern country five times in the last seven seasons.

Serie A matches abroad

LaLiga’s move follows plans for AC Milan to hold a Serie A fixture in Australia next year.

The club are looking to face Como in Australian city Perth in February due to a scheduling conflict at the San Siro.

WATCH Marcus Rashford miss an open goal as he leaves three stunned Barcelona teammates with head in hands

Their iconic home is set to host the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics on the same date.

Both events are currently scheduled to take place on the weekend of February 6 to 8.

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