LaLiga President Thebes Confirms Barcelona Open to Miami game, Criticizes Packed Schedule
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MIAMI, FL – November 21, 2023 – LaLiga President Javier Thebes revealed today that FC Barcelona remains open to playing a regular season match in Miami, florida, despite previous roadblocks. The statement came during a CNN interview with Barcelona President Joan Laporta, who also voiced concerns about the increasingly demanding LaLiga calendar.
“I reiterate, I’m open and (Barcelona) is available to LaLiga,” Thebes stated, signaling a continued willingness to explore the possibility of expanding LaLiga’s presence in the United States. The potential game has been a topic of discussion for years, aiming to tap into the important soccer fanbase in North America.
Laporta Voices Calendar Concerns
While accepting the possibility of a game in Miami, Laporta sharply criticized the current LaLiga schedule, describing it as “too tight.” He argued the congested fixture list necessitates larger squads,increasing financial burdens on clubs like Barcelona.
“We must look for some solution and to reduce the number of games. As a club, we have to have more players than usual, and that means we have to invest more and that means that we have to do our best to have a more competitive template. Of course they are talented players, but they are also human beings, and there is a limit,” Laporta explained to CNN. Barcelona currently has 24 first-team players registered for the 2023-2024 season.
The Unplayed barça-Girona Match in Miami
The idea of playing a LaLiga match in the United states dates back to at least 2018, with a proposed game between Barcelona and Girona FC in Miami. Thebes confirmed at the time that legal procedures were underway to facilitate the match. The proposed venue was Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, with a capacity of approximately 65,000.
“We have already initiated the corresponding legal procedures to claim where appropriate. I will not decide where we are, although we are already in third parties, because we believe we have the right to play the Girona-barcelona in Miami,” Thebes admitted in 2018.
Potential Premier League Game in Spain
Thebes also expressed support for a potential reciprocal arrangement, suggesting LaLiga would welcome a Premier league match played in Spain, specifically in Alicante. He cited the large British expatriate population in the Alicante region as a benefit. He envisioned a joint promotional event between the two leagues, emphasizing the positive impact of such a game.
“It would seem perfect” and that they would even take him to Alicante, where there are more English: “We would support him as it is indeed just a game, he helps football and the city,” he added. We would do some joint event to promote both leagues, it’s just a game, it seems that we take the entire league.
RFEF Stance Remains Unclear
However, Thebes noted that the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had not provided a definitive response to the proposal. Former RFEF President Luis Rubiales had previously dismissed the idea as “a subject of the past,” citing a lack of support from necessary institutions. The RFEF’s current position under interim president Pedro Rocha remains unclear as of November 21, 2023.
