Villarreal‘s CEO has defended the club’s decision to play their La Liga fixture against Barcelona in Miami on December 20. Speaking from Rome during European Club Association meetings, Roig Negueroles emphasised that the move is not motivated by money as he stressed the club won’t earn “a single euro” from the game. The decision marks the first time a domestic European league match will be staged in a foreign country, with UEFA granting approval on an exceptional basis despite its longstanding opposition.
Aware of the logistical challenges, Villarreal have sought to mitigate inconvenience for fans, the chief executive announced that those able to travel will be offered free flights and tickets, while season-ticket holders unable to attend will receive a refund of 25-30 per cent of their season pass. He stressed the move aims to expand Spanish football’s international presence, telling Marca that the initiative will be a “positive” for the nation’s game.
Critics and fans have questioned whether playing abroad undermines competitive integrity or prioritises profit. Roig Negueroles, though, was clear that Villarreal will not receive direct financial compensation for the match, ensuring that any gains benefit fans.
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing; I think it’s opening up Spanish football to other countries, to other markets, and that’s a positive thing,” he said. “Villarreal will not receive anything for playing a match in Miami. We prefer that all available money go to season ticket holders. It’s about image and future. We have schools in the United States, and we believe that any growth we can make there will benefit Spanish football.”
He added: “The competition isn’t manipulated when you play at a different stadium. Two years ago, we played seven matches at Levante‘s stadium and nothing happened.”
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin admitted the decision to stage matches abroad was “regrettable” but justified it as an exceptional measure under current regulatory gaps. Similar approval was granted to Italy‘s Serie A for AC Milan‘s fixture in Perth. Ceferin warned the approvals should not set a precedent, maintaining that domestic matches should ideally remain on home soil. FIFA’s ongoing review of international match regulations influenced UEFA’s exceptional consent, illustrating the evolving landscape of European football governance.
