The La Liga match between Villarreal and FC Barcelona scheduled for December 20 in Miami is causing a lot of talk in Spain. A protest movement by players is even planned for this weekend. It consists of interrupting the matches of the 9th day for a few seconds after the kick-off in order to denounce the infernal rhythms of the calendar, and the inconsistencies of such a trip in the middle of the season. The decision was even communicated by the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) yesterday, before the first matches of the weekend.
“ The Association of Spanish Footballers, supported by the captains of the first division, announces that a symbolic protest will take place at the start of each match on the 9th day to denounce the lack of transparency, dialogue and coherence of LaLiga regarding the organization of an official match in the United States. (…) The AFE firmly rejects this project, which has not been validated by the main players in Spanish football and calls for the establishment of a negotiation table in order to ensure transparency, respect for players' rights and compliance with the regulations in force. », Announces the press release.
A protest movement in La Liga this weekend
In order not to inconvenience those directly concerned, the union added that it had chosen to exclude the players of Villarreal and FC Barcelona from this action – although they share the basic criticisms – to avoid this protest being perceived as an attack directed against a particular club. Frenkie de Jong, for example, spoke out last week, contesting this decision taken, despite the approval of his club. “I understand this position, but I would not accept it and I do not share it. We always complain about the match schedule and excessive travel. The clubs will be paid for this, but I do not agree to play a championship match in Miami.»
Joan Laporta did not really appreciate the Dutchman's statements, not hesitating to reframe him publicly. “I respect him (de Jong), but the club will play where La Liga says, and we will go to Miami. If we supported this idea, it is because for us, it is an important market.» Barça must receive around €5 million for this match relocated to the United States, a first in the history of the Spanish championship. At the same time, UEFA authorized the holding of a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia on February 8. The door is wide open for this to become commonplace in European championships to the detriment, once again, of the health of the players.
Barça players will participate, not Villarreal players
Even Hansi Flick defended his group yesterday at a press conference. He himself does not really agree with these matches played on the other side of the world. “I think everyone can understand it (the players’ concern). The players are not happy. I'm not happy, but we're talking about La Liga. They decided that this match will take place, and we will play it. There will be the Christmas break between the last match and the first of the year against Espanyol. We must respect this“. Except that according to the Cadena Copethe Blaugranas have made a decision which should not really please the thinking heads of their club and the authorities.
They have decided to participate in this weekend's protest movement, and have already warned management. It was Marc-André ter Stegen who led the discussions, even if he is injured and will not be able to follow his teammates on the pitch. We should therefore expect to see Barça players not take part in the game this afternoon against Girona during the first seconds of the match, as was the case yesterday during Oviedo-Espanyol Barcelona. La Liga also decided not to film the interruption live, preferring to show images from the stadium. On the side of Villarreal, which hosts Betis, no player plans to join this demonstration, despite their opposition to this meeting organized in Florida.
