The Spanish league announced on the 8th that Round 17 of the match between Villarreal and Barcelona will be held on December 20th in Miami (USA).
Spanish league president Javier Tebas has long emphasized the importance of the American market and has been actively working towards holding the tournament in the country. Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that although formalities are still pending between the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Football (Concacaf) and the United States Soccer Federation, approval from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has meant that the league will be held outside the country for the first time in its history at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
In a statement released today, President Tebas said: “This match is a historic step that will take the Spanish league and Spanish football to a new dimension.''
As this is a home game for Villarreal, the club will cover travel and admission fees for season ticket holders and have told them they will be able to watch the game for free. Meanwhile, fans who do not wish to travel to Miami will receive a 30% discount on season ticket prices.
Although it represents a new challenge for the Spanish league, the plan has been heavily criticized by many clubs, players and supporters, most notably Real Madrid, since it was first floated.
Since the event was announced without any prior knowledge of this plan, the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE), which is made up of captains from each club, has decided to hold a meeting next week. The Spanish league, Villarreal, and Barcelona have been requested to attend and will hold direct discussions to hear the details. The captains of the two clubs scheduled to play in Miami have been exempted from attending the meeting to avoid conflict with their presidents.
The captains of each club will share the information they have received from the Spanish league, Villarreal, Barcelona and other teams with their teammates, and will ultimately decide whether or not to oppose hosting the tournament in Miami. (Correspondent Tomoyuki Takahashi)
