Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong Criticizes Plan to Play LaLiga Match in Miami

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong expresses discontent over LaLiga's plan to play a match in Miami, citing competitive fairness concerns.

“We will now be playing an away match on a neutral venue. But I don't feel like anyone is listening to us...”

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has expressed his disapproval of the upcoming LaLiga match between his team and Villarreal, scheduled to take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on December 20. While De Jong acknowledges the financial benefits of playing abroad, he doesn't agree with the decision, citing competitive fairness a wes a major concern.

De Jong's Statement

“I can understand the clubs; they'll profit from it,” De Jong said, “but I wouldn’t have decided it myself. I don’t agree with it either. It’s also unfair, competitively speaking. We will now be playing an away match on a neutral venue. But I don’t feel like anyone is listening to us.”

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has also weighed in on the decision, calling it “regrettable” and emphasizing that it “will not set a precedent.” This move marks the first time an official European league match will be played outside of Europe, with AC Milan's Italian Serie A match against Como set to be played in Perth, Australia in February.

🚨🎙️| De Jong when asked about his thoughts on the Villarreal vs Barcelona match going ahead in Miami: “I don’t like that we go to play there and I don’t agree with this, it’s not fair to the competition. Now we play a game away from home on neutral ground. I don’t like it and I… pic.twitter.com/i3mvjCKghE

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) October 8, 2025

The decision to play LaLiga matches abroad has sparked debate, with many questioning the fairness of hosting matches in neutral venues. Villarreal's home fixture against Barcelona will take place in Miami, while Barcelona will have to adapt to playing an away match in a non-traditional setting.

"I can understand the clubs; they'll profit from it,” De Jong said about the controversial decision when he attended the Netherlands pre-match press conference before Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Malta.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has expressed his concerns about allowing European league matches to be played abroad, describing the decision as “regrettable.” Despite his reservations, UEFA has approved two matches to be played outside of Europe: Barcelona vs. Villarreal in Miami and AC Milan vs. Como in Perth, Australia. Ceferin emphasized that this decision is exceptional and won't set a precedent, reiterating UEFA's commitment to protecting the integrity of national leagues and keeping football rooted in its home environment.