Barcelona to play Villarreal in Miami in December
La Liga game moved to the Hard Rock Stadium
Barcelona’s La Liga game with Villarreal has been officially moved to Miami – the first time that a European league match will be played abroad.
Following UEFA’s reluctant approval earlier this week, the league has confirmed the switch to the States on 20 December.
“This is one game out of the 380 that make up the season,” LaLiga president Javier Tebas said.
“La Liga represents millions of fans around the world, including many who follow their teams passionately and deserve the chance to experience seeing them live at least once.
“This match is about bringing our football closer to that global fanbase without diminishing our commitment to those who enjoy it week in, week out in stadiums across Spain.”
The match will take place at the 65,000-capacity Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins.
UEFA has stressed its clear opposition to the game being played abroad, but effectively conceded it was powerless to stop matches being held abroad due to the lack of a legal framework through which to do so.
Milan are scheduled to face Como in Perth, Australia in February.