The ambition for LaLiga to host a match in the United States, specifically a prominent fixture featuring FC Barcelona against Atlético Madrid, appears to have been shelved for the time being. This recent decision stems from several logistical hurdles that, despite initial optimism from the Spanish football league, have proven too complicated to surmount before the scheduled date. Originally set for the weekend commencing December 21, expectations for a thrilling showdown at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami have succumbed to the constraints of time and regulatory requirements.
Moving a regular-season game from Spain to the U.S. involves a myriad of approvals from various football authorities. Key stakeholders include the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), U.S. Soccer, Concacaf, UEFA, and FIFA. Complicating matters further is the lack of a permanent president at the RFEF until elections are held on December 16. Hence, the interim management committee’s authority to approve such a significant decision remains uncertain. The previous interim president, Pedro Rocha, is currently serving a suspension, which adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate process.
LaLiga’s desire to export its matches to the U.S. is not a new initiative; the league has sought to establish a foothold in North America for several years. Previous attempts to hold games, such as FC Barcelona’s match against Girona and Atlético Madrid’s game against Villarreal, were halted in 2019 due to various obstacles that included pushback from FIFA and concerns regarding the integrity of domestic leagues. Each failed attempt has added to the sense of skepticism surrounding LaLiga’s ability to successfully conduct a match overseas.
In earlier developments, a landmark court case brought forward by Relevent Sports — the company collaborating with LaLiga on these initiatives — breathed renewed hope into the prospect of bringing international matches to U.S. soil. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow an antitrust lawsuit against FIFA and U.S. Soccer, over their stringent policies against hosting foreign league matches, marked a significant shift and provided a legal avenue for LaLiga’s ambitions.
Despite the recent setback, LaLiga officials continue to express their intent to eventually host a match in the United States. Javier Tebas, the league’s president, has publicly reiterated this goal multiple times. Although the specific fixture involving Barcelona and Atlético Madrid has been paused, the overarching aim remains intact. The anticipation for a successful LaLiga game in the U.S. persists, hinging not only on resolving immediate logistical issues but also on establishing a sustainable framework for future matches.
While the current circumstances have temporarily stalled LaLiga’s attempts to make inroads in the U.S. market, the groundwork laid by ongoing legal battles and previous efforts may ultimately facilitate future endeavors. The hope for an exciting LaLiga match stateside still lingers, albeit with a recognition of the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead.
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