UEFA president opposed to Villarreal vs Barcelona match being moved to Miami – ‘We are not happy’ | OneFootball

La Liga’s proposal to move the league game between FC Barcelona and Villarreal to Miami, USA, this December has stirred up quite a bit of controversy.

While the two clubs are on board with the idea and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has also given the go-ahead, the proposal has drawn backlash from other Spanish clubs, the Spanish Footballers’ Association, and several fan groups.

UEFA, too, has not been pleased with the plan, with the governing body’s president, Aleksander Ceferin, making it clear during a recent interview.

“We are not happy, but, as much as we have checked legally, we do not have much room for manoeuvre if the federation agrees and both federations agree too,” Ceferin said.

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

“But I think that, looking ahead, we will have to discuss this very seriously, because football should be played in Europe, fans should watch it at home; they cannot travel to Australia or the United States to see their teams,” he added.

Even so, the UEFA President made it clear that this must not become a regular occurrence, saying:

“We will also open this discussion with FIFA and all the federations, because I don’t think it’s a good thing. If it’s an exception, fine; if there’s a reason, fine.

“But, in principle, European teams should play in Europe because the fans who support them live in Europe. It’s a great tradition.”

Despite the vocal displeasure, it appears unlikely that UEFA or FIFA has limited power in the matter and, as such, might be unable to stop the game from being moved from El Madrigal to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Source: SPORT