The proposed La Liga clash between Barcelona and Villarreal being hosted in Miami, has been a subject of much discussion in Spain, with many figures opposing the move from La Liga.
La Liga, with the support of the RFEF, has officially requested that Matchday 17’s fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal be staged at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 20.
If approved by UEFA and FIFA, this would mark the first time in history that a La Liga match is played outside Spanish territory.
The move, however, has split opinion, with the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) releasing a statement opposing the plan.
Luis de la Fuente weighs in
Now, Spanish national team coach Luis de la Fuente has become the latest figure to comment on the issue.
Speaking to RNE, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, he admitted the idea may seem unusual at first, but insisted that the sport must embrace change.
VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 23: Head Coach of Spain, Luis de la Fuente looks on during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Spain and Netherlands at Estadio Mestalla on March 23, 2025 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Luis de la Fuente says fans must accept the change. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
“It seems very strange now, but football evolves,” said De la Fuente. “You have to accept it.”
The Spain boss pointed to recent precedents, such as the Spanish Super Cup’s relocation to Saudi Arabia, as examples of how the game has already shifted toward global expansion.
“These are decisions that have to be made by consensus. Now it seems very strange to us, but football evolves; look at the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia,” he added.
Finally, the Spain coach called for cooperation between football’s decision-makers, stressing: “Whenever decisions are made by the actors and protagonists for the good of football, we must accept it.”
With the RFEF’s green light to escalate the request, the proposal now awaits sign-offs from UEFA and FIFA (via the proper channels), plus U.S. authorities. Until then, the Miami game remains proposed, not final.