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LaLiga Players Stage Kickoff Standstills Over Miami Match as TV Feeds Cut Away

The players’ union is pressing for a negotiating table following UEFA’s reluctant approval.

Overview

  • Barcelona’s away game at Villarreal has been relocated to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Dec. 20, with presale tickets on Oct. 21 and general sales on Oct. 22.
  • The AFE coordinated 15-second standstill protests at the start of most Matchday 9 fixtures, beginning with Oviedo vs. Espanyol on Friday and continuing on Saturday.
  • Official broadcasts repeatedly avoided showing the protests, cutting to exterior or alternate shots at kickoff for multiple matches including Sevilla–Mallorca and BarcelonaGirona.
  • Although the union initially exempted them, Barcelona’s players joined the delayed start against Girona, and Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso backed the actions, saying the Miami game distorts competition.
  • LaLiga defends the U.S. fixture as a revenue and visibility move while the AFE rejects the project without player approval and seeks formal talks, with a league–union meeting slated for Oct. 24.