UEFA president breaks silence on Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami – ‘European teams should play in Europe’ | OneFootball

La Liga’s proposal to move the league game between Villarreal and FC Barcelona to Miami, USA, has generated a lot of controversy.

While the two clubs are open to the idea, fully backed by La Liga president Javier Tebas, other teams have raised their voices in opposition. The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) and the European Council have also expressed concerns.

UEFA president takes firm stance

Now, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has also shared his thoughts about moving the La Liga game between Barcelona and Villarreal to the USA.

In an interview with Belgian outlet Politico (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Ceferin was unequivocal as he said:

“European teams should play in Europe. We will also open this discussion with FIFA and with all the federations, because I don’t think it’s a good idea.

“If it’s an exception, fine; if there’s a reason, fine. But in principle, European clubs should play in Europe, because their fans are here. It’s a great tradition.”

This comes after reports emerged earlier today suggesting that UEFA was far from convinced about giving the green light for Villarreal vs Barcelona, scheduled for 20 December, to go ahead in Miami.

Villarreal vs Barcelona could be moved to the US. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The governing body’s Executive Committee will meet on 11 September in Tirana, Albania, to make a decision.

UEFA is working on the legal front to determine whether it can block Villarreal vs Barça in Miami, as well as the AC Milan vs Como clash slated for Perth, Australia, on 6 February.

In Italy, the plan has wider support across Serie A clubs, whereas in Spain opposition is stronger – with Real Madrid even issuing an official statement against the proposal.

As mentioned earlier, the definitive call will come on 11 September, though Ceferin left a small door open to the possibility of both fixtures eventually taking place overseas.

“We are not happy, but as much as we have checked legally, there is not much room if the federations agree – and both the Spanish and Italian federations have agreed,” he said.

“But for the future, we must have a very serious debate about this. Football should be played in Europe, and fans should be able to watch it at home. They cannot travel to Australia or the United States to see their teams.”