Some noticed it as a celebration of world soccer — Barcelona in Miami, america embracing La Liga. However as an alternative, it has develop into the newest reminder of how the game’s rising industrial ambitions can conflict with its roots. As Christian Pulisic’s Milan prepares for its personal potential abroad fixture, questions now swirl round whether or not Italy’s Serie A could be subsequent to face the identical storm that pressured Spain to again down.
La Liga’s choice to cancel the Barcelona vs. Villarreal match scheduled for December in Miami despatched shockwaves by means of the soccer world. The sport, set for Laborious Rock Stadium, would have been the first-ever aggressive European league fixture performed exterior the continent, a milestone second within the international growth of Spanish soccer.
However by Tuesday evening, that dream was over. La Liga cited “the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain over the previous few weeks” as the explanation behind the sudden cancellation. Its U.S.-based companion, Relevent Sports activities, admitted defeat as nicely, saying there was “inadequate time to execute an occasion of this scale correctly” and that “it could be irresponsible to start promoting tickets with no confirmed match in place.”
Behind these diplomatic phrases, nevertheless, was chaos. Actual Madrid led a fierce protest in opposition to the concept, calling it an “adulteration of the competitors.” Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois added bluntly: “They put it in as a result of it’s of their curiosity… it adulterates the competitors, plus it doesn’t adjust to the gamers’ settlement.”
Throughout stadiums in Spain, followers and gamers joined in riot. Supporters unveiled banners declaring “Our League, Our House,” whereas groups stood immobile for 15 seconds at kick-off in silent protest. Even Villarreal, which was purported to be the designated house crew in Miami, expressed frustration, noting that the match would have felt like a de facto house sport for Barcelona.
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What about Serie A?
Whereas Spain’s home disaster was unfolding, eyes turned towards Italy — and towards Christian Pulisic and AC Milan. The Rossoneri are slated to play a Serie A match in opposition to Como at Perth’s Optus Stadium in February 2026, a proposal that instantly sparked its personal wave of controversy.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan enjoying on the Coppa Italia.
The match, backed by Serie A’s CEO Luigi De Siervo, has already been sanctioned by UEFA, although not with out hesitation. Based on the governing physique, the transfer was “distinctive” and shouldn’t be seen as precedent-setting. The explanation behind the relocation is sensible: San Siro will likely be closed for the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina between February 6 and 22.
Nonetheless, critics view it as a worrying step towards industrial overreach. Adrien Rabiot reportedly referred to as the concept “absurd,” and his France teammate and Milan captain Mike Maignan agreed; whereas Italian followers have begun displaying anti-globalization banners throughout league matches.
The Western Australian authorities, nevertheless, stays bullish. Deputy Premier and Sports activities Minister Rita Saffioti insists that Serie A had promised to not observe La Liga’s footsteps. “We’ve had some very supportive feedback in a single day from the Italian league, so we’re very assured.” She added that native authorities have been merely ready for “last sign-off from FIFA and the Asian Soccer Confederation.”
