Nicolas Garcia Hemme, Managing Director of La Liga North America, has defended the decision to stage the Barcelona vs Villarreal fixture in Miami, calling it a bold and strategic move to expand the Spanish league’s global reach. Despite heavy criticism from fans in Spain, Garcia insists the league is “willing to be bold” and ready to compensate home supporters affected by the change.
La Liga defends its Miami venture
The decision to take Barcelona’s La Liga clash with Villarreal to Miami this December has sparked debate, but league officials are confident it marks an important milestone for Spanish football’s international growth.
Speaking at a media event in New York City, Nicolas Garcia Hemme, La Liga’s North America chief, described the move as a “strategic and innovative step” for the competition’s future. “It is very important for us to make sure people understand that we as La Liga are willing to be bold, willing to be innovative, and willing to try things differently,” he told GOAL.
The December 20 fixture at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will be the first official La Liga match held outside Spain, symbolizing a new chapter for the competition’s global ambitions.
Fan backlash and compensation plans
While the decision has been met with excitement among U.S. supporters, fans in Spain — particularly Villarreal season ticket holders — have voiced frustration. The match was originally set to take place at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Cerámica, a fixture that typically brings in vital home revenue and atmosphere.
Garcia Hemme acknowledged these concerns, confirming that compensation plans are being discussed. “There have been conversations about a compensation plan for Villarreal fans at home. It costs a lot of money, but we are willing to make that investment,” he said. Villarreal have reportedly suggested offering free travel to Miami for loyal supporters who wish to attend.
A project years in the making
This is not the first time La Liga has explored hosting matches abroad. A proposed Barcelona vs Girona game in 2019 was blocked by the Spanish Football Federation, but the idea has remained alive under the leadership of president Javier Tebas.
Since then, the league has strengthened its presence in North America through partnerships and events aimed at engaging Hispanic and international audiences. The Miami game is viewed as the culmination of those efforts, aiming to replicate the success of the NFL and NBA’s global outreach.
“We’re balancing two worlds”
Garcia Hemme emphasized that the initiative is not purely financial, but rather part of a long-term effort to connect La Liga’s global fan base. “We want to make sure we balance the feelings of both sets of fans — those in the U.S. who wake up at 5 a.m. to watch, and those in Villarreal who feel their club is part of their daily life,” he explained.
Despite the backlash, La Liga is confident that the Barcelona vs Villarreal match in Miami will be a landmark success, setting a precedent for future international fixtures and positioning Spanish football at the heart of the global sports stage.
