Amid mounting criticism over La Liga’s plans to host the Barcelona vs. Villarreal match in Miami, Villarreal CEO Roig Negueroles has defended the decision, framing it as a strategic move to help the club grow internationally.
“We’re a small-town club that has to do things differently to survive against larger clubs,” Negueroles said in an interview on Cadena SER’s El Larguero. “We have 16 or 18 academies in the United States that generate an image and a return for us. It’s good for us to play there because it can generate a return. If we can grow there, then we welcome it.”
Earlier this week, UEFA reluctantly granted approval for the match to go ahead while making it clear that the decision should not be viewed as precedent-setting.
“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent,” said UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin in a statement. “Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”
Back in Spain, the move continues to face backlash from fans and some clubs. Critics argue that the decision gives Barcelona an unfair advantage due to its larger international fanbase. But Negueroles dismissed those claims.
“We haven’t won at home against Barça in 20 years, and yet we’ve won away from home for the last two years. I don’t think home advantage is that important in a single match,” he said.
Negueroles added that, while the decision may be unpopular in some circles, it offers long-term benefits for a club like Villarreal, especially in terms of expanding its reach and income in the US market.
“When income increases, so do salaries. I don’t think there’s any harm to the players,” he said.
