La Liga executive Nicolas Garcia Hemme has defended the league’s decision to stage a December fixture in Miami, calling it a bold move to expand Spanish football’s presence in the United States.
The league’s head of strategy in North America admitted the Dec. 20 game has drawn criticism from fans in Spain but insisted it’s part of a long-term plan for international growth.
“This is strategic for us,” Garcia Hemme told GOAL after a media event in New York. “It is very important for us to make sure people understand that we as La Liga are willing to be bold, are willing to be innovative, are willing to try things in a different way, and we’re gonna try.”
The planned match between Barcelona and Villarreal has sparked frustration among Spanish supporters, who argue that moving the game abroad will prevent season ticket holders from attending.
Garcia Hemme confirmed that discussions are ongoing over a compensation plan for Villarreal fans. “Even with the game, there’s been conversations about a compensation plan for the fans of Villarreal at home. That is something that costs a lot of money, and we are willing to do the investment,” he said, adding that the club could offer free travel to Miami for its supporters.
La Liga first proposed hosting a game in the U.S. back in 2019, when Barcelona were due to face Girona in Miami, but the plan was abandoned after opposition from Spain’s football federation.
League president Javier Tebas has since revived the idea, with officials insisting the Miami fixture aims to honor American fans, not chase financial gain.
“We are willing to do the investment to make sure we balance the feelings of both fans in the U.S. that wake up at 5 a.m. to watch a game in LA and fans in Villarreal that are season ticket holders,” Garcia Hemme said. “We are exploring how to make everybody decently happy with this initiative.”
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