The controversy over plans to host Villarreal’s home clash against Barcelona at the end of December continues, with the players considering protest action against it. This week La Liga were due to meet with the Spanish Player’s Association (AFE), but were unable to attend the meeting.
The AFE have been frustrated not only with the lack of involvement and information they have been given about the plans, but also the lack of communication from La Liga. The captains of La Liga’s teams were due to meet with La Liga and the RFEF on Tuesday, but were only informed that it would not be taking place shortly before they were due to travel to Madrid. On the other hand, La Liga have denied this is the case, saying they were willing to meet with the captains, and offered to meet on three alternative dates, but could not attend the meeting on Tuesday due to scheduling conflicts.
Flick: “It’s not us who have decided to go play the Villarreal game in the USA. We respect it, we know what the situation is.”
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) October 17, 2025
Players considering protest action this weekend
According to Cadena Cope, the AFE and the captains of the 20 La Liga clubs are working on a potential protest against the Miami game for thi weekend’s fixtures. In order for it to go ahead, all 20 would have to give the green light ahead of Real Oviedo’s clash with Espanyol at 21:00 CEST on Friday night, leaving them just hours to reach said agreement.
Their information is that the players are furious with the way the Miami game has been arranged, and intend to show unity by not playing for the first 30 seconds of each game on Matchday 9.
Uncertainty over power of to stop USA game
Real Madrid have also expressed their opposition to the game, and appealed to UEFA, FIFA and Spain’s Ministry for Sport to prevent the game. However UEFA have confirmed they will not stand in its way, and it seems unlikely that FIFA will step in either. Thus far, there is little to say that the Government could step in either, and short of the Villarreal and Barcelona players striking against it, the game looks set to go ahead.
It is noted that while Real Madrid are against the concept, the players are more concerned with how the game was organised.
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