Frenkie de Jong has hit out at plans for Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga fixture against Villarreal to be held in Miami, Florida.
The Dutch midfielder said he was unhappy with the decision, calling it “unfair for the competition” and “not right for the players given the long flight.”
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
“For the clubs, it’s about expanding their brand globally,” De Jong said. “We always complain about the match schedule and excessive travel. The clubs are going to get paid for this, but I don’t agree with playing a league game in Miami.”
UEFA recently approved Spanish and Italian league games to be staged abroad this season, with Milan set to face Como in Australia.
Ronald Koeman also criticised the move, arguing that it would not be fair to Villarreal since the match is officially their home game.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Koeman said. “There are more Barcelona fans in Miami than Villarreal fans — so it’s not fair either.”
While the decision aims to expand La Liga’s global reach, players like De Jong and Koeman believe the focus should remain on fairness and player welfare.