Real Madrid reject Barcelona's plans to play LALIGA match in USA

Real Madrid have released a statement expressly rejecting the proposed LALIGA match between Villarreal and Barcelona in the USA. 

Los Blancos released a lengthy statement, rejecting the proposal because it sets a dangerous precedent and vitiates the sporting balance, evenness and fairness of a typical home and away fixture. 

“Real Madrid CF wishes to express to its members, supporters, and football fans in general its firm rejection of the proposal to play the matchday 17 match of the National First Division League Championship between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona outside of Spain.”

“The measure, implemented without prior information or consultation with the clubs participating in the competition, violates the essential principle of territorial reciprocity that governs double-round league competitions (one match at home and the other at the opposing team's home), altering the competitive balance and granting an undue sporting advantage to the applicant clubs. The integrity of the competition demands that all matches be played under the same conditions for all teams. 

“Unilaterally modifying this regime violates the equality between contenders, compromises the legitimacy of the results, and sets an unacceptable precedent that opens the door to exceptions based on interests other than strictly sporting interests, clearly affecting sporting integrity and risking adulteration of the competition. 

“If this proposal is implemented, its consequences would be so serious that they would mark a turning point for the world of football.”

As Pulse Sports reported, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has approved that the league match between Barcelona and Villarreal, slated for December 21, be played in Miami. 

The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is the desired venue for the match, and approval from the RFEF is a giant leap towards its fruition. However, an approval from UEFA is still required, as is one from the host federation, CONCACAF, and the football authority in the USA. FIFA also have to be informed, although an approval from the world governing body is not expressly required.

Real Madrid also forwarded their complaint to three relevant bodies, asking them to block the move: FIFA, UEFA and the Higher Sports Council.