Real Madrid speak out against La Liga matches in the United States
By Ben Sundock
Early Wednesday, Real Madrid submitted a formal letter to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) pushing back against the proposed league match in the United States set for January.
President Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid board – for one of the first times in the club’s history – are in agreement with FC Barcelona. Yes, you read that correctly. The two rivals are in agreement when it comes to the proposal of having regular season La Liga matches abroad.
This morning, the 13-time Champions League winners submitted a letter to the RFEF offices voicing their concern, saying it is “fundamental” teams play every team at home and away each season.
Here is a snippet of what exactly what the club said:
"“First of all we would like to declare that Real Madrid were never informed that La Liga had requested to play the game nor of the intention to make the request, and we were never asked our opinion on it. Nor, obviously, did La Liga obtain Real Madrid’s agreement, despite the fact that this game affects a competition in which we participate.”"
The match that has received substantial pushback is the January meeting between Catalan rivals Girona and FC Barcelona. La Liga president Javier Tebas is trying to expand the reach of the Spanish league and sees tons of potential in the US.
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But, don’t buy those tickets just yet. Even though the La Liga board signed a 15-year deal with media conglomerate Relevent to play at least one match in the United States, there seems to be opposition on nearly every front.
RFEF president Luis Rubiales has voiced his displeasure in making players travel across the Atlantic Ocean for just one match in the midst of a congested schedule as it is.
Along with Rubiales, the Spanish players’ union (AFE) believes it is not right for president Tebas to ignore La Liga players and their desire to not travel to the United States.
The match, for the time being, is scheduled for January 27th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Although the La Liga board seems to think this match is finalized, there are still some final factors that will determine whether this match goes through. UEFA, the US Soccer Federation, and CONCACAF still need to confirm the details with both clubs and the RFEF.
Personally, I am in agreement that it is unfair to make Barca and Girona fly almost 10 hours to play one league match. The two clubs are separated by just 60 miles, so why make them fly all that way?
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As it stands right now, Barcelona will play Leganés on January 20th and Valencia on February 3rd. That is a quick turnaround on both sides of the match when you factor in travel time and jet lag.
Although I live in the US and would love to see regular season matches between some of Spain’s best clubs, for the sake of the players’ well-being, I don’t think this is the best idea. Money should not be the incentive here.
Barcelona has yet to acknowledge the match will be played in the US as on their official website, it says the game will be played at Municipal de Montilivi in Girona.