La Liga is once again exploring the possibility of staging one of its marquee fixtures outside of Spain, with Barcelona’s clash against Atletico Madrid on Matchday 18 potentially being held in the United States this season, Soccernet.football reports.
This ambitious move follows previous attempts by La Liga to globalise its brand by hosting matches abroad.
According to a report from Relevo, the Barcelona vs. Atletico Madrid fixture could take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium between December 18 and 20, in what would be the last matchday before the winter break.
This would be a significant event for both clubs, particularly Barcelona, as it would mean sacrificing their final game at Montjuic before returning to the newly renovated Camp Nou.
Atletico Madrid, under new management following the appointment of La Liga’s former General Director Oscar Mayo, also stands to gain financially from this move.
This isn’t the first time La Liga has attempted to hold matches overseas. In the past, plans to stage a Villarreal vs. Atletico match abroad were halted by legal action from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Despite these setbacks, La Liga remains determined to push forward with the initiative, exploring alternative destinations and even considering a friendly tournament in Abu Dhabi in early 2025.
However, several hurdles remain. La Liga President Javier Tebas has yet to formally propose the plan to the RFEF or the Spanish Player’s Association (AFE).
While the AFE has been engaged in discussions about a potential friendly tournament, organising a competitive match abroad will require navigating the complexities of the football calendar, including the Copa del Rey fixtures scheduled for January 2025.