Relevent Explains Why the Miami Match Was Canceled

The highly anticipated matchup between Barcelona and Villarreal, which was scheduled to take place on December 20 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, has officially been called off. The decision, announced by LaLiga, came directly from Relevent Sports, the organizing company, which deemed it “irresponsible” to start selling tickets without full confirmation that the event would take place.

In a statement to The Athletic, the promoter — owned by Stephen M. Ross, who is also the proprietor of the Miami Dolphins — said, “Given the current uncertainty in Spain, there is insufficient time to properly execute an event of this magnitude.” The company also noted that beginning ticket sales without official guarantees would be premature and inconsistent with its professional standards.

The fixture, part of LaLiga EA Sports’ Matchday 17, was viewed as a significant step toward expanding Spanish football’s global presence and engaging with the growing fanbase in the United States. However, a lack of consensus among clubs and recent protests in Spain ultimately forced organizers to abandon the ambitious plan.

Protests and Delays Led to the Decision

Tensions surrounding the event escalated after the ticket presale — initially scheduled for October 21 — was delayed without explanation, fueling speculation of an imminent cancellation. Meanwhile, LaLiga faced internal pressure from the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE), which had called for a symbolic 15-second strike at the start of every Matchday 9 fixture to protest the decision to host a league game in the U.S.

Following the announcement, LaLiga expressed its disappointment in an official statement, lamenting that “this project, which represented a historic and unparalleled opportunity for the internationalization of Spanish football, cannot go ahead.”

Despite the growing uncertainty, Barcelona remained confident until the very end. Club president Joan Laporta, speaking before their Champions League match against Olympiacos, made his stance clear: “Real Madrid can say whatever they want — we’re going to Miami.”

Ultimately, time constraints and organizational confusion sealed the match’s fate. The dream of seeing two Spanish powerhouses face off on American soil will have to wait, as LaLiga and Relevent Sports look to find new ways to bring Spanish football closer to its international fans.