Protests in La Liga: Players defend themselves against Barcelona's Miami trip!

Protests in La Liga: Players defend themselves against Barcelona's Miami trip!

There is resistance in Spanish football to FC Barcelona's controversial "away-away game" in Miami. On October 19, 2025, La Liga players announced protests, particularly against the relocation of a league game to the USA. The Spanish players' association has announced protests for the ninth matchday of the first division from Friday to Monday to express their dissatisfaction.

The first protest took place after the game between Real Oviedo and Espanyol Barcelona, ​​which ended 0-2. During this encounter, the 22 players remained motionless on the pitch for 15 seconds to draw attention to the problem. The protests are a response to the decision of La Liga, which plans to play the game between FC Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami on December 20th. This was seen by many fan groups and other clubs as an attack on football culture and a competitive disadvantage for other teams.

Dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency

The player protests are particularly aimed at the “lack of transparency and dialogue” on the part of league officials. Critics see the games planned in the USA as an inadmissible distortion of competition, which particularly benefits FC Barcelona. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso also supported the protest and expressed his concerns. He describes the situation as worrying for competition.

FC Barcelona is at the center of controversy as coach Hansi Flick and players like Frenkie de Jong also show dissatisfaction with the concept of the 'away-from-home' game. The discontent within football could lead to further tensions in the league, as the discussion about rescheduling the game also tests the support of fans.

Critics fear that the decision to play games in the USA not only distorts competitive conditions, but also endangers the loyalty of fans to their clubs. The resistance that has already begun could grow and poses a major challenge to those responsible in La Liga.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the league will respond to the protests from players and fan groups. Given the current mood in Spain, this debate about the future of football in the league could take on new dimensions.

For more information, read coverage from OneFootball and SRF Sport.