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Why Is Villarreal vs Barcelona In Miami Called Off?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 5:04 PM ET

La Liga had announced that a match between Villarreal and FC Barcelona was going to take place in Miami, Florida, to expand the Spanish football brand to other horizons.

The criticism was not long in coming, and coaches, players, and fans alike expressed themselves against this decision, as it would be something that could adulterate the competition.

The main argument was that, by playing the match in a neutral stadium, the virtually local team would be at a disadvantage. Logically, there was also talk about the fatigue it would represent for the players to make the trip from one continent to another.

In any case, it has been officially announced that Villarreal vs. Barcelona will not take place in Miami.

Pedri of FC Barcelona runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Daniel Parejo and Alfonso Pedraza of Villarreal CF during the La Liga EA Sports match.

Villarreal vs Barcelona Miami Match Canceled Due to Uncertainty, Time Constraints

Relevent Sports, promoters of the event, announced, via The Athletic, the cancellation of this match due to the uncertainty in Spain and the short time to organize it.

"Relevent has informed La Liga of the need to postpone the planned match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona in Miami on December 20. Given the current uncertainty in Spain, there is insufficient time to properly execute an event of this scale. It would also be irresponsible to begin selling tickets without a confirmed match in place."

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Through an official statement, La Liga confirmed the cancellation of this event, saying it "deeply regrets" what happened because of what it represented for the internationalization of Spanish football.

"LALIGA announces that, following conversations with the promoter of the Official LALIGA Match in Miami, the decision has been made to cancel the organisation of the event due to the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the past few weeks," read the statement.

"LALIGA deeply regrets that this project, which represented a historic and unparalleled opportunity for the internationalisation of Spanish football, cannot go ahead."

Originally, the match was scheduled to take place on December 20-21 at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica, so it is to be expected that this clash against Barça will be held there.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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