La Liga president Javier Tebas hits out at criticism of USA fixture in wake of UEFA decision

Earlier this week, UEFA approved La Liga’s request to host December’s match between Villarreal and Barcelona at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. And while there has been a fair amount of satisfaction among backers of the USA fixture, there has been plenty of negative reactions too.

The Spanish Government is reportedly said to be looking into whether they can block the match, which still needs FIFA’s sign-off to be confirmed, but the reaction that has most annoyed La Liga president Javier Tebas is that of Glenn Micallef, who is the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport.

Tebas has already criticised Micallef’s disapproval of the USA fixture before, and he has done so again on X (via MD).

“UEFA approves the match in Miami. Villarreal fan clubs support it: ‘it’s an opportunity’. But Glenn Micallef, the European Commissioner for Sport, and some who self-proclaim as the voice of the fans protest again. Curious: they speak on behalf of everyone… except those who do want to play it. The Villarreal Fan Clubs Association, in favour of playing in Miami: ‘It’s an opportunity’.”

El presidente de LaLiga, Javier Tebas (i) y su director general corporativo,Javier Gómez, durante la presentación de los nuevos límites de coste de las plantillas del fútbol profesional español tras el cierre del mercado de verano. (Image via EFE/Daniel Gonzalez)

Tebas has been driving force behind USA fixture

Tebas has been advocating for La Liga to play a match in the United States for several years now, and despite failed attempts in 2023 and 2024, he is edging closer to getting his wish now. FIFA are expected to rule on the matter in the coming weeks now that UEFA have given their reluctant go-ahead, and in the league’s offices, there is a strong feeling of a positive decision from world football’s governing body.