The controversy surrounding the LaLiga EA Sports fixture between Villarreal and FC Barcelona, scheduled to be played in Miami (United States) as part of Matchday 17, has gained a powerful new critic. This time, the opposition comes directly from European institutions, adding even more weight to the heated debate over staging official league matches outside of Europe.

What Did European Commissioner Glenn Micallef Say?

Glenn Micallef, the European Commissioner for Youth, Culture, and Sport, expressed his “deep disappointment” at the organization of European league games abroad.

In a series of social media posts, he argued that these initiatives are not “innovation” but rather a “betrayal of the fans.”

“Strong, community-based clubs are the foundation of the European sports model. Moving competitions overseas is not innovation — it is betrayal,” Micallef stated.

He insisted that European football must remain in Europe and pledged to ensure that fans’ voices are included in future debates on sports governance.

Which Matches Are Under Scrutiny?

The commissioner specifically highlighted the Villarreal vs Barcelona clash in Miami but also mentioned reports that the Italian match between AC Milan and Como could potentially be staged in Australia.

For Micallef, such moves represent “the first stress test for European football governance since the Super League,” warning that the European model is built on loyal fanbases and local communities that sustain their clubs.

What Is His Stance Toward the Fans?

Micallef expressed solidarity with supporters, particularly those in Spain and Italy, and shared his concerns directly with Ronan Evain, Executive Director of Football Supporters Europe (FSE), the umbrella organization for fan groups across the continent.

Describing himself as a “lifelong football fan,” the commissioner emphasized that clubs must not turn their backs on the supporters who built their identity.