After kick-off protests, La Liga cancels Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami | Football News

La Liga has canceled plans to host a historic Barcelona versus Villarreal match in Miami this December due to mounting uncertainty within Spain, marking the end of what would have been the first European league fixture played abroad.The match, originally scheduled for December 20 at the Hard Rock Stadium, will now take place at Villarreal’s home ground, Estadio de la Ceramica.La Liga’s promoter decided to cancel the event, with the organisation expressing deep regret that the project could not proceed, viewing it as a missed opportunity to showcase Spanish football internationally.Barcelona issued a statement accepting the decision, noting they had also accepted the initial decision to play in Miami.“Barcelona respect and accept the decision to cancel the match against Villarreal in Miami… just as we respected and accepted the decision to play when it was made at the time,” the club stated.The Catalans also expressed disappointment about missing the chance to expand in a strategic market and that US fans would miss seeing the game in person.The timing of La Liga’s announcement drew criticism from Villarreal coach Marcelino Garcia Toral, as it came during his team’s Champions League match against Manchester City.“It seems to me an absolute lack of respect to put out a statement at half-time of a game about something that was planned but will not happen. It’s a lack of respect to the directors of the club, the club itself, the professionals and the fans,” Marcelino stated.The proposal faced significant opposition within Spain. The Spanish Footballers’ Association organised protests, with players remaining stationary for 15 seconds at the start of each league match last weekend.Real Madrid opposed the plan institutionally, with their captain Dani Carvajal telling La Liga president Javier Tebas that playing games abroad would be “a stain” on the competition.Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois argued it would adulterate the competition.La Liga has attempted to organise overseas matches for several years. This attempt came closest to fruition after receiving permission from UEFA, European football’s governing body.UEFA maintained its general opposition to overseas games but agreed to allow this match as an exception, along with an upcoming Serie A match between AC Milan and Como planned for Australia in February.The ticket presale, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, was initially delayed before the entire plan was abandoned.