Barcelona-Villarreal set for Miami as UEFA reluctantly gives green light

Alsharq Tribune- M.Essam 

The La Liga game between FC Barcelona and Villarreal scheduled for December 21 looks almost certain to be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, after UEFA gave reluctant consent to the move.

UEFA reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played overseas, but admitted it didn't have the legal framework to prevent such a move.

"League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions," commented UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin.

"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," he added.

Although Villarreal has pledged to cover travel and hotel expenses for fans wishing to attend the match and to compensate season-ticket holders unable to go, supporters' groups across Spain have strongly opposed the plan.

Real Madrid has also criticized the decision, arguing that it distorts the integrity of La Liga, since Barcelona would effectively exchange a challenging away fixture for one staged in a venue overwhelmingly filled with its own supporters.