Real Madrid oppose LaLiga Miami match and urge UEFA, FIFA to block it
MADRID - Real Madrid on Tuesday denounced plans to stage a LaLiga match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, warning the proposal could undermine football's competitive balance and vowing to petition global governing bodies to block the move.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Monday approved the December 20 fixture at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which could become the first LaLiga match held abroad and the first European league fixture staged in the United States.
"Real Madrid wish to express to its members, supporters and football fans in general its firm rejection of the proposal," the club said in a statement, revealing they have already urged FIFA, UEFA and Spain's Higher Sports Council (CSD) to intervene.
The club accused the RFEF of making its decision "without informing or consulting the clubs participating in the competition" and argued that staging the match in Miami "violates the essential principle of territorial reciprocity" in home-and-away league formats.
Real further stated that the move would "alter the competitive balance" and grant "an unfair sporting advantage" to the clubs involved.
The club also warned that approving the proposal could compromise sporting integrity and "set an unacceptable precedent," insisting any change of this nature should require "the express and unanimous agreement of all the clubs participating in the competition".
The plan still requires approval from UEFA, US Soccer, CONCACAF and ultimately FIFA before LaLiga President Javier Tebas can realise his long-held ambition of taking Spanish football to the U.S. REUTERS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Straits Times
Marc Marquez wins Austrian Grand Prix sprint from second row
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Ducati's Marc Marquez won the Austrian Grand Prix sprint on Saturday despite starting on the second row of the grid, beating his brother and closest championship contender Alex to the finish line at the Red Bull Ring. Having never won a race in Austria, the Spaniard executed a flawless race from fourth on the grid to take his 12th sprint victory in 13 rounds this season, underlining his supreme dominance in the shorter format. The victory moves Marc Marquez 123 points clear of Gresini Racing's Alex Marquez at the top of the championship and 180 above Ducati teammate Francesco Bagnaia, who was forced to retire due to problems with his bike. KTM's Pedro Acosta came third in the team's home race to complete an all-Spanish podium, while Aprilia's pole sitter Marco Bezzecchi finished fourth. REUTERS
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Straits Times
Atletico's Simeone not worried about proposed LaLiga match in Miami
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone dismissed concerns about a proposed LaLiga match in the United States featuring Barcelona, saying it was too early to worry about its potential impact. Real Madrid have opposed the proposal to move the December clash between Villarreal and Barca to Miami, which was approved by the Spanish soccer federation on Monday, though it must still be given the green light by UEFA, US Soccer, CONCACAF and FIFA. "We're always worrying about things that often don't end up happening. We wear ourselves out over things that don't happen," Simeone told reporters on Saturday, on the eve of his club's visit to Espanyol for their opening LaLiga game of the season. Atletico, who last won the league in 2021, are making an ambitious push for the title after finishing third last season, spending over 150 million euros ($175.46 million) this summer. Simeone, with two league titles during his nearly 14-year tenure at Atletico, said his side must change with the heightened expectations. "You always have to evolve. The team must continue to grow at the same pace as the club," the Argentine said. "The players are good but they will have to prove it on the pitch. Then we will be where we deserve to be." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 280 vapes seized, more than 640 people checked by police, HSA in anti-vape raids at nightspots Life Meet the tutors who take O-level exams every year to create a 'war mate' bond with their students Singapore Airport-bound public bus to be fitted with luggage rack in 3-month trial: LTA Life Six-figure sales each durian season: Why S'pore durian sellers are now live selling on TikTok Singapore 3 truck drivers injured after chain collision on ECP, including one rescued with hydraulic tools World Did Putin just put one over on Trump at the US-Russia summit on Ukraine? Singapore Nowhere to run: Why Singapore needs to start protecting its coasts now Life Pivot or perish: How Singapore restaurants are giving diners what they want Simeone was also happy with the prospect of changing the team's style of play, with the arrival of Alex Baena, David Hancko, Johnny Cardozo and Thiago Almada. "Changes are always good as long as they respond to what is needed. I don't know if the word is change, I would say improve," he added. Simeone hoped the signings would quickly adapt to the club's need, adding that versatile attacker Baena, who often played on the left wing for Villarreal, may be used as a second striker. "He's done very well and may start there in that position. Where I see him least is as a winger. We understand that it's better to continue along these lines," the 55-year-old said. REUTERS
CNA
8 hours ago
- CNA
Atletico's Simeone not worried about proposed LaLiga match in Miami
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone dismissed concerns about a proposed LaLiga match in the United States featuring Barcelona, saying it was too early to worry about its potential impact. Real Madrid have opposed the proposal to move the December clash between Villarreal and Barca to Miami, which was approved by the Spanish soccer federation on Monday, though it must still be given the green light by UEFA, US Soccer, CONCACAF and FIFA. "We're always worrying about things that often don't end up happening. We wear ourselves out over things that don't happen," Simeone told reporters on Saturday, on the eve of his club's visit to Espanyol for their opening LaLiga game of the season. Atletico, who last won the league in 2021, are making an ambitious push for the title after finishing third last season, spending over 150 million euros ($175.46 million) this summer. Simeone, with two league titles during his nearly 14-year tenure at Atletico, said his side must change with the heightened expectations. "You always have to evolve. The team must continue to grow at the same pace as the club," the Argentine said. "The players are good but they will have to prove it on the pitch. Then we will be where we deserve to be." Simeone was also happy with the prospect of changing the team's style of play, with the arrival of Alex Baena, David Hancko, Johnny Cardozo and Thiago Almada. "Changes are always good as long as they respond to what is needed. I don't know if the word is change, I would say improve," he added. Simeone hoped the signings would quickly adapt to the club's need, adding that versatile attacker Baena, who often played on the left wing for Villarreal, may be used as a second striker. "He's done very well and may start there in that position. Where I see him least is as a winger. We understand that it's better to continue along these lines," the 55-year-old said. ($1 = 0.8549 euros)
