Spanish Football Federation’s approval of LaLiga’s request to hold a match between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami.
La Liga got the green light to hold Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami.
This could have a significant impact on Europe’s domestic leagues.
Key Themes:
European football is going global. This match is a significant step in introducing top European leagues to the U.S. market.
The primary goal is to generate income. We want to reach new audiences, especially in America.
Critics of global changes in football will likely oppose this choice. They often dislike the idea that domestic games should not be exempt from their nations.
If the Spanish Football Association takes the deal, it could set a new bar for other European leagues. This supports the idea that clubs can play league matches in different countries.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
Spanish FA approval: The Spanish Football Federation approved a request from La Liga. Villarreal and Barcelona will play in Miami in December. This is among the key decisions that lend a helping hand in the initial stage.
Also Read: The Spanish FA has approved the request. Now, UEFA, FIFA, CONCACAF, and the U.S. Soccer Federation must process and approve it. Posnanski shared on Twitter to promote his story: “Of course, that is only if the request is not yet a done deal… but it looks very likely.”
The game is set for a date right before Christmas at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This is the first time that a Spanish league team has played a game in the United States.
FIFA’s stance on game changes: FIFA does not back league games held outside its home countries. We face legal action from Relevant Sports, a U.S. sports promotions and media rights company. This led to a settlement. FIFA formed a working group. This led to a “subtle change of position at FIFA.” This shift is crucial for these games to progress.
Target Date and Location: Barcelona
Commercial Logic & The US Yank: Lionel Messi, who played for Barcelona, now plays in Miami. Massive crowds will gather at Hard Rock Stadium because he will be there. The venue will be “rocking” for a Barca match since La Liga is very popular here. Commercialism drives the move.
This move is likely to prompt others in Europe’s top leagues to follow suit. Italy’s Serie A has “also tried to play its games in the US.” Mexico’s Liga MX “wants matches in the US, also.” And that is a clear trend in global football.
Already Seen and Controversial History: This idea isn’t new. There was a controversial suggestion for a 39th game. Each Premier League club would play this extra match in a foreign country. Tancredi also said, “Next season, Saudi Arabia will host the Spanish Super Cup.”
The date is a problem. “There’s already an NFL game on that date.” This creates a logistical challenge. They might need to change the date. Despite that, the reporter believes they “will find a way to work it out because there is so much money involved.”
The source is aware that there are many soccer traditionalists.
It says, “If you’re a football traditionalist, this is terrible news.” It adds, “You might want to know that another country funds big games in Europe.”
