After months of uncertainty, La Liga has finally made it official that Barcelona will indeed face Villarreal in Miami, at the Hard Rock Stadium.The match will be played on December 20, marking the fir...
After months of uncertainty, La Liga has finally made it official that Barcelona will indeed face Villarreal in Miami, at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The match will be played on December 20, marking the first time a La Liga contest will be held in the United States.
The move has led to intense criticism, especially from other clubs as well as player unions in Spain, even as La Liga president Javier Tebas remained steadfast in his endeavour.
Tebas has now received some support from Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who has spoken out in favour of the Miami game.
Laporta on the Miami game against Villarreal
Laporta expressed his delight at the opportunity to bring Barcelona closer to its US fans through this initiative by La Liga.
“We are looking forward to being able to meet again with all our fans in the United States, and we thank La Liga for the opportunity to get closer to one of the main strategic markets for the Club,” he said (h/t La Liga).
Barcelona will economically benefit from a match being held in Miami. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Laporta went on to talk about the close relationship Barcelona has harboured with the United States in recent years, especially in light of all the pre-season tours.
“We have been visiting the country for many years and have always felt the passion that FC Barcelona awakens.
“As a global club, with millions of followers around the world, this opportunity reinforces our commitment to international fans, especially in a key market like the US,” he added.
From an operational standpoint, the Villarreal game being hosted in Miami will indeed be beneficial for Barcelona it will lead to substantial earnings.
Aside from the financial benefits, Laporta added that the Villarreal game will be a sporting spectacle.
“An official match in a city like Miami, with a large Cule community, will undoubtedly be a great spectacle with two teams competing at the highest level,” he concluded.
Category: General Sports
