Frenkie de Jong, midfielder and one of the key players for Barcelona, has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision to hold the match between Villarreal and the Catalan club in the United States. The game, scheduled for December 20, is set to take place in Miami, sparking a strong reaction among players and fans.
Speaking to reporters during the Netherlands national team training camp, de Jong stated that he does not support the idea of moving the game overseas. In his view, such a move violates sporting principles and impacts equal conditions for all participants in the championship.
The player emphasized that staging an official match on neutral ground, far from Spain, distorts the essence of the competition. He pointed out that players are forced to adapt to new conditions, which can affect their physical state and preparation.
De Jong also expressed understanding for the position of other clubs that have previously criticized the idea of holding La Liga matches outside the country. He noted that financial gain should not be the main motive behind such decisions, as it puts the interests of teams and fans at risk.
It is especially significant that Barcelona has actively supported the idea of holding the match in Miami over the past few months. However, now one of the team’s captains has openly opposed this move, intensifying the debate on the issue.
Debate continues within the Spanish football community over the advisability of such initiatives. Many experts believe that holding away matches in other countries could negatively affect the national league’s image and provoke dissatisfaction among fans.
Meanwhile, organizers emphasize the commercial appeal of these projects and the opportunity to expand La Liga’s audience by attracting international fans. However, the stance of players like De Jong points to significant disagreements within clubs and the league itself.
