La Liga recently confirmed that Barcelona will play their league fixture against Villarreal in the United States.
Barcelona star unhappy with Miami match but accepts the reality of La Liga originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
vice-captain Frenkie de Jong has once again voiced his displeasure over La Liga’s decision to stage their upcoming fixture against Villarreal in Miami, though the midfielder accepts that players must take the field wherever they are instructed.
Earlier this month, De Jong criticized the move, citing increased travel and the competitive imbalance created by an “away” match on neutral territory.
“I don’t like it,” he said when asked about the change in venue.
“I can understand the clubs financially, they will of course profit from it, and they can spread their brand further across the world. But I wouldn’t do it.
“It’s not good for the players. You have to travel a lot. It’s also not fair in terms of competition.
“For us, it’s now an away match on neutral ground. I totally understand if other clubs aren’t happy about that.”
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De Jong doubles down on his displeasure
The Dutchman recently reiterated his unhappiness about the location change upon renewing his Barcelona contract last week, but acknowledged that it is the reality of modern football.
“Yes, I still think what I said and that hasn’t changed,” De Jong said. “But we’re players and at the end of the day we have to play wherever.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he “respected” De Jong’s opinion but stressed that expanding the club’s presence in North America justified the decision.
The reported financial boost, of course, will also be of paramount importance to Laporta and Co.
La Liga, meanwhile, have been pursuing the relocation of a league fixture to the United States since 2017.
Suit up pic.twitter.com/fzMGUQoi8I
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 15, 2025
Following recent approval from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA, it was announced earlier this month that Villarreal’s home match against Barcelona will take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on December 20.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick also shared his frustration over the 7,200-kilometre journey during a press conference on Friday (October 17).
“My players are not happy, I am not happy, but La Liga decided that we will play this game,” he said.
For Flick and his squad, the fixture represents added travel ahead of a brief but hectic winter break, with Barcelona also scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, beginning on January 7, 2026.
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Category: General Sports
