La Liga’s top stars are set to stage a bold protest against the controversial decision to host the Barcelona-Villarreal match in Miami.
As Hansi Flick’s squad prepares for Girona and El Clasico, La Liga’s push to globalize the brand has ignited fierce backlash across Spain.
The decision to take a high-profile match overseas has sparked unrest among players and clubs, who feel sidelined by the league’s ambitions, setting the stage for a dramatic response during a pivotal weekend of domestic football.
According to COPE, players across Spain’s top flight are planning a sit-in protest during Matchday 9 to oppose La Liga’s decision to host Barcelona’s clash with Villarreal in Miami on December 20, 2025.
The demonstration involves players sitting on the pitch for 20-30 seconds at the start of each game, with captains from all 20 Primera División clubs agreeing to participate.
Sources from Getafe, Espanyol, Oviedo, and Barcelona confirm their players’ involvement, starting with Oviedo vs. Espanyol at Carlos Tartiere.
The AFE (Association of Spanish Footballers) supports the action, criticizing La Liga’s lack of transparency and respect in scheduling the Miami fixture.
The protest, backed by clubs like Real Madrid, reflects widespread discontent with La Liga president Javier Tebas’ global expansion plans.
While Tebas and RFEF officials tout the Miami game as transformative, players argue it disregards their voices and disrupts the integrity of domestic competition.
Barcelona, grappling with injuries to Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski, faces added scrutiny as its fixture becomes a flashpoint.
The sit-in aims to send a unified message, prioritizing tradition over commercialization.
As Flick navigates a depleted squad, with Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford key to the Girona derby, the protest adds complexity to Barcelona’s season.
The AFE clarifies it isn’t against overseas games but demands better dialogue.
With La Liga’s global push clashing with player solidarity, this weekend’s action could reshape the narrative, challenging Tebas’ vision while Barcelona chases glory on and off the pitch.
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