Villarreal's outspoken president Fernando Roig has launched a blistering attack on La Liga's controversial plans to stage Barcelona's match against Girona in Miami, branding the proposal "totally unfair" and demanding equal treatment for all Spanish clubs.
The fiery comments come as Spanish football authorities continue their push to export domestic fixtures to international territories, with the Catalan derby reportedly lined up for a January 2025 showcase in the United States.
'We All Go or None Go' Says Furious Club Chief
Roig didn't hold back in his criticism, stating emphatically: "If Barcelona and Girona go to Miami, then we all have to go. It's totally unfair that some teams have to travel that distance and others don't."
The Villarreal chief highlighted the significant competitive advantage that would be handed to the two Catalan clubs, who would both face identical travel demands and recovery challenges, while their La Liga rivals continue with conventional domestic fixtures.
Growing Backlash Against American Adventure
Roig's strong stance represents the latest and most vocal opposition to La Liga's international expansion strategy. The Villarreal president questioned the fundamental fairness of the arrangement, suggesting it creates an unlevel playing field in one of Europe's most competitive leagues.
"If the league is for everyone, what happens to the rest of us?" Roig demanded, highlighting concerns that have been quietly circulating among other top-flight clubs.
Barcelona and Girona Set for Stateside Showdown
The proposed Miami fixture would see Barcelona take on their Catalan neighbours Girona at the Hard Rock Stadium in January 2025, marking the latest attempt by La Liga to establish a foothold in the lucrative American sports market.
While league officials see international games as crucial for global growth and revenue generation, Roig's comments expose the deepening rift between the league's commercial ambitions and the practical concerns of its member clubs.
The Villarreal president's intervention ensures this debate will rage on long before any planes are booked for the transatlantic journey.
