Oviedo and Espanyol players stand still in protest

As a result of La Liga’s decision to hold a game in Miami, Oviedo and Espanyol players resisted moving for the first 15 seconds of their Friday game.

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) approved plans to move Villarreal’s game against Barcelona to the Hard Rock Stadium on December 20th, which has sparked unrest in Spain.

The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) stated in a statement that they had coordinated with the La Liga club captains to “protest symbolically” against the league’s “lack of transparency, dialogue, and coherence” with the AFE.

La Liga refuted the accusations earlier this week, stating that it is “willing to meet” with the AFE to “promote useful dialogue that allows explaining the project.”

At the final La Liga game this weekend, replica demonstrations will follow, according to the AFE’s statement.

However, the union has not requested that Barcelona and Villarreal players participate in order to prevent it from being “interpreted as a possible measure against any club.”

The Spanish Footballers’ Association categorically rejects a project that does not have the support of the main players in our sport in the face of La Liga’s persistent refusals and unrealistic proposals, and demands that the employers’ association set up a negotiating table where all information is shared, the exceptional characteristics of the project are analysed, the needs and concerns of the footballers are addressed, and the protection of their labor rights and compliance with current regulations are assured.

La Liga has been contacted by the BBC for comment.

The Italian football federation (FIGC) approved a Serie A game between AC Milan and Como in February, making the decision official for the Miami game.

Hansi Flick, the coach of Barcelona, earlier stated earlier on Friday that his players were unsatisfied with having to travel to the US to play a La Liga game.

At a press conference, Flick said, “My players are not happy, I am not happy, but La Liga has decided to play this game.”

Real Madrid and Uefa both expressed disappointment when the game was announced, saying that the consequences would be “so serious.”