Frenkie de Jong strongly criticizes the decision to play in Miami!

De Jong opposes Barça’s trip to Miami

Barcelona / @https://x.com/HqDejong/

The announcement by La Liga regarding the 17th round match between Villarreal and FC Barcelona, scheduled for December 20 at the "Hard Rock" Stadium in Miami (United States), has sparked a heated controversy.This will be the first official European league match to be played outside the continent.

💥 Frenkie De Jong raja del partido en Miami que enfrentará a @FCBarcelona y @VillarrealCF

🧐 “No es justo. Vamos a jugar un partido fuera de casa en terreno neutral"

❌ “No estoy de acuerdo con esto, no me gusta que vayamos a jugar allí"

📻 #PartidazoCOPEpic.twitter.com/sDHIHIUnov

— El Partidazo de COPE (@partidazocope) October 8, 2025

Frenkie de Jong, Barcelona’s midfield maestro, voiced strong opposition to the decision during a press conference ahead of the Netherlands’ World Cup 2026 qualifier against Malta.The Barcelona star acknowledged the commercial motivations but argued that the decision is unfair from a sporting perspective. He emphasized that playing on neutral ground would penalize the club’s supporters and is simply unacceptable.The Dutch international added that while clubs might benefit financially, players would bear the brunt of extra travel and a congested schedule.The Netherlands’ national team coach, Ronald Koeman, echoed the criticism, calling the decision “illogical and absurd.” He stated it undermines the principle of fair competition and increases pressure on both clubs and players.Meanwhile, La Liga president Javier Tebas defended the move, presenting it as an initiative to expand the league’s global fan base. He insisted that this match is an exception among the 380 games played during the season.

Frenkie de Jong keurt competitieduel in Miami af ❌

“Je moet veel reizen én het is niet eerlijk qua competitie"

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) October 8, 2025