Ambitions to stage a La Liga game in the United States are falling apart. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have today voiced their objections to the proposed game between Barcelona and Girona, due to take place in Miami this season.
La Liga had been hoping to get the green light to bring the game to the US on January 26th, but they cannot do so without RFEF permission.
According to AS, the President of the association Luis Rubiales has written to the league to confirm his opposition to the plans. A letter has also been sent to FIFA.
The fact that the two clubs chosen to partake in the match reside in Catalonia has also played into their reasoning, with the Spanish government said to be uneasy about the political implications of such an event. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is also said to be concerned about this choice of teams.
"I think I would prefer to see a great MLS game."
Fifa president Gianni Infantino isn't keen on the prospect of a La Liga game being played in the US.
👉 https://t.co/7JXTV515b7 pic.twitter.com/paxNc4lprR— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 18, 2018
La Liga's decision to bring a competitive game to an overseas audience is one which has been met by a largely negative reaction. Many see it as no more than a money-spinning venture, while it also claimed that it is taking football away from the 'real' fans.
The league has attempted to address this by giving certain assurances to Girona supporters, with this game originally meant to take place at their Estadi Montilivi stadium. The club have been offered 1,500 free tickets to the game for season ticket holders, as well as 5,000 tickets for the return fixture in the Camp Nou. There will also be a 20% reimbursement on season ticket purchases.
Girona are set to make around €4million from the game, no small change to a mid-table La Liga club. The La Liga decision-makers hope that the venture will increase the international profile of the league, while also attracting more foreign sponsors.
