"FC Barcelona has formally responded to the cancellation of the highly anticipated and highly controversial Villarreal CF fixture that was set to be played in Miami this December, voicing regret over what it called "a lost opportunity" to grow both the club's and La Liga's international reach. Just a little after La Liga announced that the U.S. match would not go ahead - following Relevent Sports' decision to withdraw due to "uncertainty generated in Spain" - Barça issued a statement striking a tone of respect mixed with frustration."
""FC Barcelona respects and abides by the decision to cancel the match that would have been played against Villarreal in Miami," the statement read. "The club laments the lost opportunity to expand the image of the competition in a strategic market with capacity for growth and resource generation that benefits all clubs.""
"While La Liga framed the decision as a matter of practicality, within Barcelona it's reportedly seen as a setback for the league's global ambitions. Club president Joan Laporta, who addressed the issue during the club's general assembly, had previously backed the Miami plan as a forward-looking project for both the league and its participating teams. "The club thanks our supporters in the United States for their unconditional love and deeply regrets that they will be deprived of witnessing an official match in their country.""
FC Barcelona expressed regret after La Liga cancelled the Miami match against Villarreal following Relevent Sports' withdrawal, which cited "uncertainty generated in Spain." Barcelona described the cancellation as a lost opportunity to expand the competition's image in a strategic market capable of growth and resource generation for all clubs. Both clubs had agreed to the December 20 fixture as part of La Liga's effort to stage a competitive U.S. match. Opposition from several Spanish clubs, notably Real Madrid, reportedly involved appeals to UEFA, CONCACAF and the Spanish sports council. Joan Laporta had supported the Miami plan and the club thanked U.S. supporters while lamenting their loss.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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