Villarreal say they have been shown “a complete and utter lack of respect” by La Liga over the cancellation of their overseas match against Barcelona in the United States.
In August, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) approved plans to move Villarreal’s fixture against Barcelona to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on 20 December.
However, the decision was reversed on Tuesday after the move sparked a backlash, with top-flight players refusing to move for the first 15 seconds of La Liga matches last weekend in protest.
Villarreal say they were due to have a meeting this Thursday and were prepared to pull out of the fixture over a lack of communication and poor organisation – and were then told of the decision to cancel the game “minutes before” their Champions League match against Manchester City.
A club statement, external said: “Villarreal wishes to express its deep displeasure with La Liga for the poor managemant of the match which ultimately will not be played in the United States.
“Minutes before kick-off against Manchester City the club was notified by phone by La Liga that the match was cancelled. However, the information was confidential and the best time would be sought to communicate it jointly.
“Minutes later, and to the club’s surprise, La Liga decided to issue a unilateral statement announcing the cancellation of a match involving Villarreal during a match of such importance to the club, demonstrating a complete and utter lack of respect for the club, as well as a lack of sensitivity and empathy.”
Villarreal said they accepted the match on the condition that season ticket holders would be financially compensated for missing the Barcelona game and given free travel to Miami.
The Spanish league’s president Javier Tebas says the cancellation of the game is a blow to the competition.
“Today, Spanish football has lost an opportunity to advance, project itself globally, and strengthen its future,” Tebas wrote on X.
“The defence of ‘tradition’ is invoked from a narrow-minded and provincial perspective, while the true traditions of European football are threatened by decisions by the governing institutions, which year after year destroy national leagues.
“La Liga will continue working, with rigour and conviction, to keep Spanish football competitive, standing up to those who seek to destroy it, but always respecting its roots and ensuring its sustainability.”
Despit
Read More