La Liga's Big Fixture Plans Postponed Again

Plans to host the highly anticipated 21 December La Liga clash between FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in Miami, Florida, have been shelved. La Liga officials deemed the timeline too tight to stage the league's first-ever fixture outside Spain, and the match will now take place as originally scheduled at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc in Barcelona.

Despite the setback, La Liga President Javier Tebas remains optimistic about hosting a league match abroad, a vision he has championed for over six years.

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The US Dream

Tebas has long eyed the US as a key market for expanding La Liga's global reach, leveraging the immense popularity of clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid among American fans. His first attempt in 2018 aimed to move a Girona vs Barcelona fixture to Miami, but the proposal faced strong resistance from the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), players' union, and FIFA.

A recent shift in leadership at the RFEF, with Pedro Rocha replacing Luis Rubiales as president, appeared to bolster Tebas' ambitions. Reports suggested the RFEF backed the idea of hosting the 21 December clash in the US. However, gaining approval from FIFA and UEFA proved to be a significant obstacle, as both organisations have consistently opposed holding domestic league games on international soil.

Financial Potential

Tebas has cited lucrative financial incentives for hosting a La Liga match in the US. Back in 2018, he estimated such an event could generate over €200 million through ticket sales, sponsorships, and media rights. This figure is likely even higher today, given the league’s growing global appeal.

Fan Backlash

While the financial benefits are undeniable, fans have overwhelmingly opposed the idea of domestic league games being played abroad. Many argue it disregards local supporters who would lose the chance to attend a home match, highlighting the tension between globalisation and traditional fan loyalty.

Looking Ahead

Tebas remains undeterred and has set his sights on hosting a La Liga fixture outside Spain during the 2025/26 season. As plans progress, he will need to balance the league's financial ambitions with the concerns of fans and the challenges posed by football's governing bodies.

For now, Barcelona fans can look forward to welcoming Atletico Madrid on home turf this December.

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