The global reach of the world’s biggest football clubs is more relevant now than ever, as leagues abroad jockey for new markets and fresh audiences.
For FC Barcelona, who have long prided themselves on their global profile, the potential to expand in the United States was seen as a unique strategic opportunity.
With tours, pre-season friendlies and commercial campaigns already established across the Atlantic, the next logical step seemed to be a regular-season fixture overseas.
Many in the sporting and business world watched closely as LaLiga moved to actualise that ambition.
The hope had been that Barcelona, with their vast international support, would act as the spearhead of the league’s expansion, helping to open doors into new territories, revenue streams and fanbases.
However, the much-publicised plan to stage a December regular-season clash between Barca and Villarreal CF at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami has now been officially abandoned.
LaLiga announced that the event’s promoters, Relevent Sports, cited “the uncertainty generated in Spain in recent weeks” as a reason for pulling out, meaning the fixture will not take place as originally scheduled.
LaLiga’s statement confirmed that, though the project complied with all relevant federation regulations and was properly authorised, it was the escalated backlash within Spain – from fans, players, clubs and governing bodies alike – that ultimately halted proceedings.
The league described the cancellation as “deeply regrettable” and said it represented “a lost opportunity for the internationalisation of Spanish football.”
Barcelona, too, issued a public response expressing disappointment at the outcome.
The club said it “respects and abides” by the decision yet lamented the missed chance to extend both its and the league’s reach in a key strategic market.
Of particular note was Barca’s recognition of their U.S. fans, noting how they regret those supporters will now be denied the chance to witness an official LaLiga match in the United States.
The move has raised major questions about the future of regular-season fixtures abroad, and Barcelona’s role in them.
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