UEFA has given the Spanish and Italian football federations the green light to stage league matches abroad this season, with Barcelona and Villarreal to meet in Miami, Florida while AC Milan and Como will play each other in Australia. While the move is seen as a groundbreaking step towards further globalising football, it has also sparked widespread dissatisfaction. Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot has already expressed his disappointment over the decision and De Jong has followed suit.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong expressed his dissatisfaction with the prospect of playing in Miami, saying: “I don’t like us going there, and I don’t agree with it. It’s not fair for the competition and I don’t think it’s right for the players given the long flight.”
“For the clubs, it’s about expanding their brand globally. That’s probably what it’s all about. We always complain about the match schedule and the excessive travel.
“The clubs are going to get paid for this, but I don’t agree with playing a league game in Miami. I understand that other clubs don’t agree.”
Former Barcelona defender and current Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman also criticised the idea of playing the match abroad, arguing that it wouldn’t be fair to Villarreal since there would likely be more Barcelona fans in Miami, even though the match is officially designated as Villarreal’s home game.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” he said. “It’s ridiculous. Frenkie gives a good explanation. It’s not fair. Villarreal-Barcelona is always a difficult away game for Barca, and now they’re playing it on a neutral ground. There are more Barcelona fans in the stands than Villarreal fans. So it’s not fair either.”
With clubs like Barcelona and Milan boasting a global audience, such initiatives could help further expand their international reach and brand value. However, the stars of the game will be hoping that clubs find a balance between commercial interests and player welfare in the future.
