Madrid: The Spanish league says it has requested permission from the national football federation to play a regular-season match between Girona and Barcelona at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on January 26.
Staging the match abroad is part of La Liga’s goal of promoting football and its brand in other countries, but the idea has drawn criticism from some players, fans and clubs.
Spain’s players’ association said the athletes were never consulted about the league’s plan and ultimately they will have the final say on whether to play the game. Spanish league president Javier Tebas met with the association and planned to give players a detailed description of the project.
La Liga said a compensation package has been offered to season-ticket holders of Girona, who will be relinquishing a home game.
Girona, in their second season in the first division, had said the game would help promote the club and the city.
