How much will Barcelona and Villarreal earn for controversial La Liga fixture in Miami?

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 10 Oct 2025 04:30 CDT
• 3 min read

Analysis

It has been confirmed that the La Liga fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal will take place in Miami in the United States.

The match, set to take place on 21st December, will be the first La Liga fixture in history not to take place in Spain.

The controversial proposals have been generating traction over the last few months and supporters are naturally furious as not only will the two teams receive a cash injection that other clubs won't, but the sporting repercussions mean that the balance of home and away fixtures in La Liga is now skewed.

UEFA announced opposition to the plans, but ultimately passed the buck to FIFA for the final decision.

Barcelona, La Liga and Villarreal subsequently confirmed that the match was happening, but how much is it worth to both clubs?

Diario Sport report that each club will receive around €6 million for the match.

However, Villarreal are set to receive more than Barcelona as they need to be compensated for losing out on ticket sales for what is effectively their home fixture.

In addition to this Spanish match, plans were recently put in place for Milan to face Como in a Serie A fixture in Perth, Australia.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has been the driving force of these proposals and had to publicly defend them against a major backlash this week.

Barcelona and Villarreal statements

Following the fixture confirmation, the presidents of both clubs released statements.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said:

"We are hoping to see all our fans in the United States again and we thank LaLiga for the opportunity to get closer to one of the main strategic markets for the Club. We've been visiting the country for many years and we have always felt the passion for FC Barcelona. A competitive game in a city like Miami, with a large FC Barcelona following, will definitely be a great show."

Villarreal president Fernando Roig echoed the above, saying:

"We hope to be able to reach fans from other parts of the world with this initiative and to continue expanding the club brand and the LaLiga brand".

Football figures oppose abroad fixture plans

Various figures in football have spoken out against the plans, including two players who will be involved in the aforementioned games. Here's what they've had to say...

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong: "I don't like us going there, and I don't agree with it.

"It's not fair for the competition and I don't think it's right for the players given the long flight."

"For the clubs, it's about expanding their brand globally. That's probably what it's all about. We always complain about the match schedule and the excessive travel.

"The clubs are going to get paid for this, but I don't agree with playing a league game in Miami. I understand that other clubs don't agree."

Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot: “I was surprised when I learned that AC Milan and I will be playing a Serie A match against Como… in Australia! It’s completely crazy.

“These are financial agreements to give visibility to the league, things that are beyond us. There’s a lot of talk about schedules and player health, but this all seems truly absurd. It’s crazy to travel so many miles for a match between two Italian teams in Australia. We have to adapt, as always.” (Le Figaro)

Former Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman: "It doesn't make any sense. It's ridiculous. Frenkie gives a good explanation. It's not fair. Villarreal-Barcelona is always a difficult away game for Barca, and now they're playing it on a neutral ground. There are more Barcelona fans in the stands than Villarreal fans. So it's not fair either."

Spain international Unai Simon: “Villarreal and Barca have put money ahead of their fans. This harms the fans and adulterates the competition. Barca won’t play on a neutral field in Miami because more than half of the stadium will be Barca’s.”