The possibility of witnessing an official LaLiga EA Sports match on U.S. soil is more alive than ever. The clash between Villarreal and Barcelona, corresponding to Matchday 17, could take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, marking a historic moment for European football and opening a new chapter in the globalization of the Spanish league.

What Steps Has the RFEF Taken to Move the Match to Miami?

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that its Board of Directors, meeting remotely, approved the process of requesting authorization from UEFA and later FIFA to relocate the game. The request has the backing of both clubs involved and is supported by the International Match Regulations, recently updated to allow national competitions to be held outside their original territory under certain conditions.

Who Opposes This Decision?

Not everyone is on board. David Aganzo, president of the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) and vice president of the RFEF, voted against the move, arguing that players were not consulted. Former footballer Miguel Ángel Nadal, also a board member, opposed the proposal, stating that not all clubs were informed of the potential relocation. These stances highlight the internal division over a change that could alter the league’s traditional dynamics.

Why Is This Debate Not New in LaLiga?

The idea of staging official matches in the United States has been a point of legal contention since 2018, when LaLiga attempted to take a Girona-Barcelona fixture to Miami. The RFEF rejected the proposal, and Spanish courts — including the Supreme Court — ruled against it. However, the scenario shifted in 2024 when FIFA amended its regulations to evaluate such requests based on factors like competitiveness, player and fan safety, and the impact on the host country.