Real Madrid has urged FIFA to stop La Liga from moving Barcelona’s away match against Villarreal to Miami, calling the plan unfair and harmful to the league’s integrity.
Real Madrid: Miami Game Threatens La Liga’s Integrity
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approved the proposal on Monday, but the game still needs clearance from FIFA, UEFA, and U.S. soccer authorities before going ahead.
The match, scheduled for December 20-21, is set to take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium instead of Villarreal’s home ground. However, Real Madrid argues that playing a league game outside Spain disrupts fair competition.
In a strong statement, the club said the move violates the principle of equal conditions for all teams and gives an unfair advantage to clubs involved in such overseas fixtures.
“Moving a league match abroad breaks the balance of competition and sets a dangerous precedent,” Real Madrid said.
“It risks distorting results and favors commercial interests over sporting fairness.”
The club also asked UEFA to pressure the RFEF to reverse its decision and called on Spain’s sports council to block the move.
La Liga has long wanted to host a competitive match in the U.S. to expand its global reach. A previous attempt in 2018 failed, leading to legal battles between La Liga and U.S. promoters.
While the league no longer needs Real Madrid’s approval, the club’s protest highlights its ongoing feud with La Liga president Javier Tebas.
The two sides have clashed repeatedly, especially over revenue distribution and Real Madrid’s support for the European Super League.
Tebas has accused the club of creating conspiracy theories, while Real Madrid’s media arm frequently criticizes La Liga and referees.
With FIFA yet to rule on the Miami game, the controversy adds another chapter to the tense relationship between Spain’s top clubs and its league organizers.
