Opposing overseas games, La Liga players "standstill" in protest

[Global Times Special Correspondent Zhang Weike] After the kick-off whistle of Barcelona’s home game against Girona in the ninth round of La Liga on the 18th, the 22 players on the field stood still like sculptures. This silent protest, which lasted for 15 seconds, swept through many La Liga games last weekend and became the players’ response to the league’s plan to move the regular season from Spain to Miami in the United States.

On the 18th, during the La Liga match between Villarreal and Real Betis, the players stood still in protest. (AFP)

The protest was coordinated and initiated by the Spanish Football Players Association (AFE) and began in Oviedo's match against Espanyol on the 17th. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the same scene occurred in many games, including Sevilla vs. Mallorca and Villarreal vs. Real Betis. However, most TV viewers did not witness this scene, and it is reported that La Liga asked broadcasters to avoid showing still images of players.

The trigger for the protests was La Liga's decision to move Villarreal's home game against Barcelona to Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. In a statement, the AFE criticized the league's "lack of transparency, dialogue and consistency" for making such a major decision without the consent of the players. Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said in an interview: "We are opposed to this game in Miami because it distorts the nature of competition. The league has neither obtained the unanimous consent of all clubs nor conducted sufficient consultations." Barcelona coach Flick also admitted that neither he nor the players are satisfied with this arrangement, but "La Liga decided that we must participate."

As for the players, AFE called the protest action "a symbolic response to the league's unilateral action." Barcelona midfielder Pedri said that although the team had not received direct demands from the union, they still joined the protest out of respect for their colleagues. La Liga president Tebas warned in a letter to AFE that such protests may have "adverse consequences" and emphasized the need to "protect players' rights within the legal framework." At the same time, the league expressed a willingness to talk and explain the value of overseas game plans. There are obvious differences in the opinions of the club's top leaders. Barcelona Chairman Laporta publicly supports the overseas competition, saying that it "will definitely become a grand performance"; while Real Madrid has firmly opposed it from beginning to end, believing that this move will bring "serious consequences."

La Liga is not the only league exploring overseas competitions. The Italian Football Federation has approved the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como to be held in Perth, Australia, in February 2026. The Bundesliga has clearly ruled out the possibility of overseas games, and Premier League CEO Masters also said that the matter is "not on the agenda." Although UEFA approved the application of La Liga and Serie A for overseas matches, UEFA President Infantino warned that such actions may lead to "chaos" in the football schedule.