UEFA puts the brakes on

“Plan Miami”

By banquillo Editorial Staff.

UEFA has temporarily blocked LaLiga’s attempt to stage the Villarreal vs Barcelona league match in Miami this December. The Spanish federation (RFEF) and LaLiga had pushed for the December 20th clash to be played at Hard Rock Stadium, marking the first official LaLiga fixture outside Spain.

But UEFA’s Executive Committee, after reviewing petitions from both Spain’s RFEF and Italy’s FIGC, has decided more consultation is needed before approving national league matches beyond European borders. The organization admitted there are “many issues still unresolved,” effectively leaving the project on hold.

For fans and families in South Florida, this decision delays what would have been a landmark opportunity: to experience elite LaLiga action live, with Barcelona bringing global stars to Miami. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the game promised to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Spain’s top league and U.S. soccer communities.

Still, the debate is far from over. LaLiga remains determined to export matches, while UEFA is wary of setting a precedent that could open the door to domestic leagues chasing overseas revenue at the expense of local fans.

For now, South Florida’s soccer community will need to wait, and watch closely, how negotiations between LaLiga, UEFA, and FIFA unfold in the coming months.