Barcelona Players Protest Miami Match with Delayed Kickoff

Barcelona’s home match against Girona commenced with a notable 15-second delay on Saturday, November 4, 2023. This action served as a protest against LaLiga’s controversial decision to relocate their regular-season match against Villarreal to Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Originally scheduled for December 20, this fixture has sparked significant debate among players and clubs.

The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) announced the protest on Friday, expressing concerns regarding LaLiga’s “lack of transparency, dialogue and coherence” in organizing the Miami event. While the AFE did not specify the nature of the protest, a similar demonstration occurred earlier that day during the match between Real Oviedo and Espanyol, where players paused for the first 15 seconds.

Both Barcelona and Villarreal players were given the option to participate in the protest without facing pressure from their clubs. Despite this, the AFE confirmed their support for the action. As the match against Girona began, Barcelona’s players remained still for the initial 15 seconds, mirroring the sentiment shared by their peers across the league.

LaLiga has pursued the idea of hosting a match in the United States since 2017, and following recent approvals from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA, the league now appears poised to make this plan a reality. While Barcelona and Villarreal have agreed to the relocation, several LaLiga teams oppose the initiative. Real Madrid has been particularly vocal, arguing that the change could offer an “undue sporting advantage” to the clubs involved and sets a concerning precedent for future fixtures.

Adding to the complexity, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has openly expressed his disapproval of the Miami match, aligning with Real Madrid’s stance that the neutral territory could favour Barcelona.

Barcelona’s coach, Hansi Flick, has also voiced his dissatisfaction regarding the decision, noting that while he does not support it, he respects the choices made by the league and the clubs involved.

Following the protests during the matches this weekend, the next steps for the AFE remain uncertain. While the union is not required to support the Miami match for it to proceed, AFE president David Aganzo has stated that he has engaged in discussions with political parties to explore potential actions moving forward.

As LaLiga continues to navigate this contentious issue, the implications for players, clubs, and fans alike remain to be seen. The outcome of this protest and the fate of the Miami match could have lasting effects on the league’s operations and its relationship with player associations.