The future of the Villarreal vs Barcelona clash, corresponding to matchday 17 of LaLiga EA Sports, could be decided far from Spain. The UEFA Executive Committee will announce on September 11 in Tirana whether it approves staging the match in Miami, a move that would set a precedent in European football and has already sparked debate both on and off the pitch.

The debate over competition integrity

The RFEF proposal seeks to take Villarreal vs Barça to the United States on the weekend of December 20–21, 2025. However, the plan faces significant opposition. Real Madrid sent a statement to UEFA urging the body not to authorize the move, arguing that it would distort the competition’s balance and compromise its integrity.

The AFE (Spanish Footballers’ Association) also voiced its opposition. Its president, David Aganzo, voted against the proposal at the RFEF board meeting on August 11, citing a “lack of respect for the players” due to the absence of prior consultation. The Football Supporters Europe association joined the criticism, stressing that fans would be the ones most negatively affected.

An international context and more decisions at stake

UEFA will not only review the Spanish case. It will also rule on Serie A’s request to stage the Milan vs Como match in Perth, Australia, in February 2026. The proposal responds to the clash with the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony, which would prevent the Milan fixture from being played in its usual venue.

Additionally, the meeting in Tirana will serve to select the host venues for the 2027 men’s Champions League final and the women’s Champions League final. The Metropolitano in Madrid is in the running for the men’s final, while the Camp Nou, Warsaw’s National Stadium, Basel’s St. Jakob Park, and the National Stadium of Wales in Cardiff are competing for the women’s final.

A historic decision for European football

If approved, staging Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami would mark a watershed moment in the relocation of official domestic league matches beyond national borders. UEFA’s ruling will set the tone for similar proposals in Spain and in other countries exploring the globalization of their competitions.

September 11 will be a key date: not only will the fate of Villarreal vs Barça be decided, but also the future direction of how European football adapts to the growing demand for internationalization.