Plans to play Barcelona’s La Liga clash with Villarreal in Miami have now been approved by UEFA in what is a landmark move.
The game is scheduled to be played in December, originally at La Ceramica, but
now appears to be heading over the Atlantic to the United States.
UEFA chief Alexander Ceferin has confirmed that Barcelona’s game can be played overseas – and Como’s match with Milan can take place in Australia – but sent out a warning at the same time.
“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns,” he said.
“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”
The decision to play these two games overseas has provoked plenty of criticism already, although Barca president Joan Laporta has given his support to the plan.
