UEFA approve USA game between Villarreal and Barcelona – ‘Reluctantly taken the decision’

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·6 ottobre 2025

UEFA approve USA game between Villarreal and Barcelona – ‘Reluctantly taken the decision’

UEFA have confirmed that they will not impede the hosting of a La Liga match in the United States this December. Villarreal are scheduled to take on Barcelona on the 20th of December at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, pending the approval of FIFA.

The Yellow Submarine and Barcelona have agreed for the game that was due to take place at La Ceramica to be held at the home of the Miami Dolphins, and the proposal has been approved by La Liga, the Royal Spanish Football Federation and now UEFA.

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UEFA approve USA game ‘reluctantly’

UEFA had announced a consultation period after their last summit, but despite finding that the majority of stakeholders were not in favour of holding domestic league matches abroad. Two proposals have been tabled, with Serie A also keen to hold a January match between Como and AC Milan in Australia. Europe’s governing body explained that within the current regulations, they had little grounds upon which to reject the request as things stand, and thus had ‘reluctantly’ approved the game.

Dani Olmo’s poor form is becoming a real concern. The midfielder struggled again in Sevilla, barely influencing the attack despite playing in a key creative role. Flick continues to trust him, but Olmo looks far from his best physically and mentally. @sergidejuan9
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However they do not that these games ‘should not be taken as a precedent’, and that they will move to put in place regulations that prevent future such proposals. That said, it is not clear what sway they hold with FIFA to be able to swing the matter.

Ceferin’s statement on the USA game

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin put out a statement within UEFA’s press release, he did make a commitment to keep domestic leagues within the countries they are based.

“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sensitive issue.” “While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent. Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”

Image via Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

What happens next?

Now the final step to be taken before the game can go ahead is for FIFA to give the green light for the game to go ahead. It seems likely they will do so, given FIFA’s stance on the Club World Cup and the World Cup, which has seen multiple venues involved for some time. Real Madrid have vowed to fight the issue, and claim it would adulterate the competition should it go ahead.