LaLiga Players Protest US Match Plans Ahead of Key Game

LaLiga players are planning symbolic protests at the start of most matches this weekend. This action follows the league’s recent announcement to hold a game in the United States on December 20, 2023, featuring FC Barcelona against Villarreal CF in Miami. The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has stated that players from Oviedo and Espanyol initiated the first protest on Friday, standing still for the first 15 seconds of their match to demand greater transparency and dialogue from league authorities.

The AFE has opted to exclude players from Barcelona and Villarreal from the protests. This decision aims to prevent any misinterpretation of the protests as a direct action against those clubs. According to the AFE, the players are seeking to express their dissatisfaction with LaLiga’s ongoing refusal to engage in meaningful discussions regarding this initiative.

In a statement released on Friday, the AFE emphasized that it “categorically rejects” the project due to the lack of approval from the primary stakeholders in Spanish football. The announcement follows LaLiga’s earlier confirmation of the match in Miami, which was approved with reluctance by UEFA, the governing body for European football.

Real Madrid had previously expressed its opposition to the decision in August, citing concerns that such a move could disrupt the competitive balance of football in Spain. In contrast, the President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzan, defended the decision to relocate the match, describing it as a “reward for fans.”

The AFE has called for league authorities to provide comprehensive information about the project, considering its “exceptional characteristics,” while also addressing the players’ needs and concerns. As the December match approaches, tensions between players, clubs, and league officials continue to escalate, reflecting broader issues surrounding player engagement and decision-making within the sport.

This weekend’s protests underline the players’ desire for a more collaborative relationship with the league as they navigate the complexities of modern football and its global reach.