Barcelona’s hopes of making history by playing a LaLiga fixture on American soil have been dashed after plans to stage their match against Villarreal in Miami were officially cancelled.
The Blaugrana were set to become the first European club to take part in a domestic league fixture overseas, with the Hard Rock Stadium pencilled in to host the December 20 clash.
But amid mounting controversy and logistical uncertainty, LaLiga confirmed that the game will no longer go ahead.
Barcelona expressed disappointment at the missed chance to connect with their large fanbase in the United States.
Missed opportunity
In a statement, the club said: “FC Barcelona respects and abides by the decision to cancel the match that would have pitted us against Villarreal in Miami corresponding to matchday 17 of LaLiga, just as it respected and abided by the decision to play it at the time.
“FC Barcelona regrets the missed opportunity to expand the image of the competition in a strategic market with growth potential and resource generation for the benefit of all.
“The club thanks the unconditional support and affection it has received from our fans in the United States and deeply regrets that they are deprived of witnessing the official match in the country.”
LaLiga confirmed the cancellation in a statement which read: “Following discussions with the promoter of the official LaLiga match in Miami, the latter has announced its decision to cancel the event due to the uncertainty surrounding Spain in recent weeks.”
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Major setback
The league described the outcome as a major setback in its push to globalise Spanish football, calling the Miami match “a historic and unparalleled opportunity for internationalization”.
The plan by Relevent Sports, the US-based event organisers, had faced resistance from players and rival clubs, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois amongst those to criticise the idea, claiming it would “distort the competition”.
LaLiga players also protested last weekend, standing still for the first 15 seconds of matches in opposition to the league’s overseas ambitions.
Relevent Sports said in a statement on Sky Sports: “Relevent has informed LaLiga of the need to postpone the planned match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona in Miami on December 20.
“Given the current uncertainty in Spain, there is insufficient time to properly execute an event of this scale.
“It would also be irresponsible to begin selling tickets without a confirmed match in place.“
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SportJustSport writers