The decision to move the La Liga fixture between Villarreal and Barcelona to Miami in December has been defended by Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzan, who described it as “good for football.” The match, originally scheduled to be held at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica, will now take place at Hard Rock Stadium on 20 December 2025.

This announcement follows growing interest in hosting European football matches overseas, a trend mirrored recently by the Italian football federation (FIGC), which approved a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, in February 2026.

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Reactions from Clubs and Officials

While the move has been praised by the RFEF, it has faced opposition from other Spanish clubs, notably Real Madrid, who warned that the consequences could be “so serious” that it might mark a “before and after” for global football.

Despite criticism, the RFEF emphasized the benefits for fans worldwide. Louzan said:
“It’s a reward for those fans who are behind the screen, also in Asia or America, who are paying a fee to watch all the Spanish La Liga matches. It’s a gesture to them.”

He added: “It promotes the Spanish La Liga around the world. Italy is also going to do it with Serie A in Australia. It’s a good move for the best league in the world to do it.”

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UEFA’s Stance on Overseas League Matches

The governing body for European football, UEFA, has expressed clear opposition to overseas league fixtures but ultimately gave reluctant approval due to a lack of legal mechanisms to prevent them. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin called the decision “regrettable” and stressed that it should not be seen as setting a precedent for future matches.

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Impact on Barcelona and International Fans

The Miami fixture holds particular significance for FC Barcelona, as the city is home to Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023 after a two-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain. Barcelona president Joan Laporta welcomed the move, saying:
“A competitive game in a city like Miami, with a large FC Barcelona following, will definitely be a great show.”

Barcelona has previously played four pre-season friendlies in Miami, most recently in 2022, demonstrating the club’s strong international fan base in the city.

The Miami match is expected to attract attention not only from American football fans but also from supporters across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, furthering La Liga’s global reach.

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Key Takeaways

• Villarreal vs Barcelona La Liga match moved to Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, on 20 December 2025.
• RFEF president Rafael Louzan calls the move “good for football” and highlights benefits for international fans.
• Real Madrid and UEFA have raised concerns, warning of potential negative consequences.
• The fixture capitalizes on Barcelona’s international following, especially in the United States where Lionel Messi plays.
• La Liga follows Serie A’s precedent of overseas matches, with AC Milan vs Como scheduled in Perth, Australia.

The move underscores the growing globalization of European football, as leagues seek new markets and audiences beyond their home countries while balancing traditional fan engagement in Europe.