Overview

• The RFEF board voted on August 11 to forward a formal request to UEFA to begin the FIFA-authorization process for the Villarreal–Barcelona match at Hard Rock Stadium on December 20, 2025.
• UEFA and FIFA approvals remain outstanding alongside sign-off from the U.S. Soccer Federation, CONCACAF and commercial partners before the fixture can be relocated.
• If fully authorized, the December match would mark the first official LaLiga game ever played outside Spanish territory.
• Villarreal would relinquish its home advantage in exchange for financial incentives arranged by U.S. promoters and LaLiga’s commercial partners.
• Fan group FASFE and the players’ association AFE have publicly opposed the move, citing concerns over sporting integrity, fan access and player welfare.