Spanish players' union opposes plan to play game in Miami

MADRID, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish footballers' union has said it opposes the idea of playing a La Liga match in Miami.

Real Madrid has voiced opposition to the game between Villarreal and FC Barcelona being taken from Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica to the United States on December 20, on the basis it adulterates the competition by taking a difficult away game for Barca to a ground where the majority of fans will be supporting the La Liga champion.

A meeting of the captains of the 20 La Liga clubs at the headquarters of the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) on Thursday has led to the union also saying it is against the plan.

"Backed by the captains of the La Liga clubs, AFE opposes playing a league game outside Spain," the union explained in a communique.

"The captains of every team met on Thursday to discuss the request for a game to be played outside the country, which was submitted to UEFA and FIFA."

"AFE requested a detailed report from the league in order to inform the players of the situation and hear their opinions. In its response, the league only informed us of the progress of the authorization process," continued the union. "In view of this situation, given the lack of dialogue and information provided, the initiation of a project promoted by La Liga and approved without any information by the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation) is disrespectful to the players, as it involves changes at a sporting level in addition to travel outside the country as workers within the framework of a domestic league."

"We are united. We want respect and transparency. With this message, AFE demands that the Spanish institutions involved provide all the information on a project that would alter the competition," it added.

Although the plan to play Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami has the support of La Liga and the RFEF, it still needs the approval of UEFA and FIFA, as well as U.S. Soccer and CONCACAF before it can go ahead.

A section of Villarreal supporters' groups has also voiced opposition to the game, even though the club has promised free travel, accommodation and tickets to anyone who wishes to make the 10-hour flight from the east of Spain to Miami. ■