Players protested by standing still for 15 seconds after the start of the game, and La Liga abandoned its plan to compete in the United States

The Spanish Football League announced on the 21st local time that it would abandon the overseas league match plan of Villarreal against Barcelona that was originally scheduled to be held in the United States. The event was originally scheduled to be held on December 20, aiming to become the first regular season of the European League to be held overseas, and was announced on October 8, but the move was strongly opposed by other clubs, players and fans. In the domestic league matches held from the 17th to the 20th, a wave of protests spread. Players in each game stood silently and refused to play for 15 seconds after the start of the game in protest.

File picture of Villarreal preparing for the UEFA Champions League against Manchester City

La Liga issued a statement expressing regret for "the inability to advance this project that should have been a historic and unprecedented opportunity for the international expansion of Spanish football" and pointed out that "giving up such an opportunity will hinder the generation of new revenue." FC Barcelona also expressed respect for the decision, but at the same time responded that "it is regrettable that we have lost the opportunity to expand the influence of the event in a strategic market with growth potential and the ability to create benefits for everyone."

La Liga Chairman Tebas issued a statement when he announced the plan in October: "Through this game, we will take a historic step to elevate La Liga and Spanish football to a whole new level." He explained that this move is intended to enhance the league's brand influence with a focus on the 2026 North American World Cup.

For Villarreal fans whose home games were moved overseas, the league has proposed an unprecedented compensation plan: compensating season ticket holders for their travel expenses to the United States, and providing a 30% discount on season ticket fees if they choose not to attend the game. However, due to excessive opposition, the plan was eventually abandoned.

On the other hand, the Italian Serie A plans to hold AC Milan’s match against Como in Perth, Australia, in February next year. Whether La Liga’s decision will have an impact on it deserves attention.

It is reported that since La Liga and Serie A proposed the idea of ​​hosting this overseas event, European fan groups have expressed strong opposition to it on the grounds of "depriving the club of its foundation" and "reducing the club to an entertainment commodity divorced from tradition and community", and have asked UEFA to provide an opportunity for consultation. In addition, UEFA President Alexander Ceferin also said: "Leagues should be played within the borders of their respective host countries. Hosting them elsewhere may alienate fans who loyally go to the stadium and may damage the integrity of the game. In our consultations, this concern was widely recognized. Our position is clear: maintain the integrity of domestic leagues and ensure that football continues to be rooted in its original soil."