Overview
- LaLiga set Dec. 20 for Villarreal vs. Barcelona at Hard Rock Stadium after UEFA granted an exceptional one-off approval.
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino called overseas league fixtures a "big risk" and noted the Miami game still requires CONCACAF review before reaching FIFA for a decision.
- The Spanish players' union AFE requested urgent talks with LaLiga, Villarreal and Barcelona, while France's UNFP backed Adrien Rabiot's criticism of Serie A's plan for Milan–Como in Perth.
- Barcelona president Joan Laporta said the club will comply with the directive, as LaLiga chief Javier Tebas outlined a one-match-per-season international strategy and detailed travel and fan charter plans.
- Critics, including Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Koeman, argue the move erodes competitive fairness by stripping Villarreal of home advantage, as Serie A pursues a parallel Perth fixture pending AFC and FIFA sign-offs.