Real Madrid have voiced strong opposition to plans to stage December’s LaLiga clash between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami, citing “sporting integrity” concerns.
Real Madrid have rejected plans to play December’s LaLiga match between Villarreal and Barcelona in the United States, warning it would “give an undue sporting advantage” and “set an unacceptable precedent.”
On Monday, Spain’s football federation (RFEF) agreed to send a request to UEFA to stage the Dec. 20 fixture at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. LaLiga’s previous attempts to hold games abroad were blocked by FIFA and other bodies.
In a statement, Madrid said it had already asked FIFA to deny authorization “without the prior consent of all clubs,” and urged UEFA and Spain’s Supreme Sports Council to stop the move.
“The measure… violates the essential principle of territorial reciprocity… compromising the legitimacy of the results,” the club said.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has long sought to host competitive matches overseas, with past proposals involving Barcelona vs. Girona and Barça vs. Atletico Madrid failing to proceed. Italy’s Serie A is also planning to take a league game to Australia.