La Liga Players Protest Miami Match
Players from Oviedo and Espanyol staged a protest at La Liga's decision to host a match in Miami by refusing to move for the first 15 seconds of their game on Friday.
In August, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) approved plans to relocate Villarreal's match against Barcelona to the Hard Rock Stadium on December 20, a move that has generated considerable discontent across Spain.
The Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) issued a statement indicating that they had collaborated with the captains of each La Liga club to conduct a "symbolic protest" against the league's "lack of transparency, dialogue, and coherence".
In response, La Liga rejected these accusations earlier this week, expressing a "willingness to meet" with the AFE to "foster useful dialogue that allows for an explanation of the project".
The protest by the players from Oviedo and Espanyol was not broadcast live, as television cameras shifted their focus away from the stadium's interior.
The AFE further announced that similar demonstrations would take place during the remaining La Liga matches over the weekend. However, they have not requested participation from players of Barcelona and Villarreal to avoid any misinterpretation as a potential measure against those clubs.
The statement from the AFE continued: "In light of La Liga's ongoing refusals and unrealistic proposals, the Spanish Footballers' Association categorically rejects a project that lacks the approval of the primary stakeholders in our sport. We demand that the employers' association establish a negotiating table where all information is shared, the unique aspects of the project are examined, and the needs and concerns of the players are addressed, ensuring the protection of their labor rights and compliance with existing regulations."
The BBC has reached out to La Liga for a comment on the situation.
Confirmation of the Miami match followed a decision by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to allow a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como to be played in Perth, Australia, in February.
Earlier on Friday, Barcelona's coach Hansi Flick expressed his players' dissatisfaction with the requirement to travel to the United States for a La Liga game. "My players are not happy, I am not happy, but La Liga decided that we will play this game," Flick stated during a news conference.
Real Madrid also voiced their opposition to the fixture when it was announced, warning of potentially serious consequences, while UEFA approved the move "reluctantly".
This week, RFEF president Rafael Louzan defended the relocation, stating it is "good for football", while Barcelona president Joan Laporta praised the decision, asserting that the match will "definitely be a great show".