RFEF president hails plan to move Villarreal vs Barcelona to Miami – ‘A reward for fans…’ | OneFootball

Earlier this month, La Liga officially confirmed that Barcelona will indeed take on Villarreal in Miami in December, marking the first time a league game will he held outside of Spain.

The move has not gone well with several Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid, while the players’ union in Spain has also vilified the decision.

However, RFEF president Rafael Louzan has recently come out in support of the Miami move while stating that the women’s Super Cup was not held in Miami because of Real Madrid.

Rafael Louzan’s view on the Super Cup

“There are two stadiums: the physical one and the sofa in people’s homes. What we’ve done is process the request with UEFA, and we’ll do the same with FIFA,” Louzan said (h/t Mundo Deportivo) about the proposed Miami game between Barcelona and Villarreal.

The RFEF president went on to add that the location of the game will serve as a reward for those watching behind the screen as well.

“It’s a reward for those fans behind the screen, also in Asia or America, who are paying a sum to watch all the Spanish La Liga matches. It’s a gesture for them,” he said.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has played a key role in making the Barcelona-Villarreal game happen in Miami. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images For Sportel)

Louzan also referred to the Italian Serie A doing the same, hailing the move as a game-changing event for European football.

“It’s good for football and promotes the Spanish league around the world. Italy will also do the same with Serie A in Australia. The fact that the best league in the world is doing it is a good intention,” he added.

Louzan on Women’s Super Cup

Louzan went on to reveal that there were plans to hold the Women’s Super Cup in Miami as well, but it was not possible due to opposition from one club.

“We even had a financial agreement to hold the tournament in Miami, but one of the teams said they didn’t see it happening this season,” said Louzan, referring to Real Madrid.

The RFEF president also emphasised that the Men’s Super Cup generated €51 million in revenue for Spanish football and €26 million for non-professional football, and that they are looking to improve “the partnership with Saudi Arabia.”

“The national teams are our flagship, but other competitions are giving us another dimension, such as the Saudi Arabian Super Cup and the Women’s Super Cup,” he concluded.