The announcement that the Villarreal–Barcelona match on matchday 17 will be played on December 20 in Miami sparked outrage in Spanish soccer. The decision, endorsed by the RFEF and promoted by Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, has been branded an “aberration” and “disrespectful” by many.

Barcelona’s clash with Villarreal has moved a step closer to being played in the United States after the RFEF confirmed plans to forward a request to UEFA and FIFA to hold the game in Miami. The two sides are scheduled to meet at the Estadio de la Ceramica on December 21st in La Liga but may be jetting out to the US for the game instead.

The Spanish football federation has given its approval to a request from LaLiga clubs Barcelona and Villarreal to play a league match in Miami this season.