La Liga has officially canceled its plan to host the Barcelona versus Villarreal match in Miami, United States. This decision comes after significant criticism from various stakeholders, including clubs, players, and officials. The match, originally scheduled for December 20 at the Hard Rock Stadium, will no longer take place outside of Spain.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the league confirmed that the event promoter withdrew due to “uncertainty surrounding Spain in recent weeks.” This cancellation marks a halt to La Liga’s ambitious project of internationalizing its matches, at least for the time being.
The decision means that the scheduled fixture will now be played in Spain as originally planned, adhering to the traditional home and away format of the league. This move has been met with relief from many who opposed the international game.
This development follows recent events where other leagues and governing bodies have also faced decisions regarding international games. Notably, UEFA had previously allowed certain clubs to play abroad, but this case highlights the ongoing debate over domestic leagues hosting matches outside their home countries.
For now, La Liga’s attempt to break new ground with a regular-season game in the United States has been put on hold. The league expressed regret over the cancellation, stating it represented a “historic and unparalleled opportunity” for the internationalization of Spanish football.
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