LaLiga scraps plans for Barcelona-Villarreal Miami match amid backlash

The game, scheduled for December 20 at Hard Rock Stadium, would have marked the first time a top-tier European league fixture was played outside its home continent.

The league and its U.S.-based partner Relevent cited "uncertainty in Spain" and "insufficient time" to execute the event.

Despite receiving approval from UEFA and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), mounting criticism at home led to the match being shelved. LaLiga expressed "deep regret" over the decision, calling it a missed opportunity to expand the global footprint of Spanish football.

The backlash from players, fans, and clubs was immediate. LaLiga players staged brief on-pitch protests last weekend, while Real Madrid publicly condemned the move. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois accused the league of acting unilaterally and said the match would "distort the competition."

Barcelona and Villarreal had agreed to the fixture, but both expressed disappointment at its cancellation. Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral slammed LaLiga for announcing the news during their Champions League match, calling it "disrespectful."