Players across Spain plan major protest this weekend against Barcelona vs Villarreal match in Miami | OneFootball

There has been a lot of controversy within Spain surrounding La Liga’s decision to host the game between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami in December.

Although the La Liga and even the RFEF officials have lauded the move as transformative, their approval is not echoed by most clubs across Spain, including Real Madrid.

Even the players’ association has come out with a public disapproval of the Miami game, and as club football resumes this weekend, the players in Spain are now planning a huge protest.

What’s brewing in La Liga?

According to COPE, players across Spain’s top flight are preparing to stage a sit-in protest this weekend during Matchday 9 of La Liga.

The demonstration is in response to the Barcelona vs Villarreal game scheduled to take place in Miami on December 20, a move that has caused widespread discontent among players and clubs alike.

Spanish players are not happy with La Liga’s push to host matches outside of Spain. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images For Sportel)

The plan, as reported, is for players to sit on the pitch for 20 to 30 seconds at the start of each game this week. Captains from all 20 Primera División clubs have already held discussions this afternoon and reached a consensus on carrying out the protest.

Sources from Getafe, Espanyol, Oviedo, and Barcelona have confirmed that their players are prepared to participate in the demonstration.

The AFE (Association of Spanish Footballers) clarified that it is not opposed to the idea of a La Liga match being played abroad, but is protesting against the lack of communication and respect shown by the league in making the decision.

The first game affected will be Oviedo vs Espanyol at the Carlos Tartiere, where players are expected to lead the initiative by stopping the match briefly to display solidarity across Spanish football.