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Xabi Alonso backs La Liga players protesting Barcelona vs Villarreal in Miami, calling it distorting. AFE leads symbolic protests over lack of consultation and fairness concerns.
Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso and Barcelona’s Hansi Flick (AFP)
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has thrown his support behind La Liga players protesting the league’s controversial decision to host a match in the United States, calling the move “distorting” to the competition’s integrity.
Last week, La Liga announced that Barcelona’s away fixture at Villarreal will be held in Miami on December 20, marking the first time a European league game will take place abroad.
The Miami decision has reignited tensions between La Liga officials and players, with many arguing the move prioritizes commercial gain over sporting integrity.
“It Distorts the Competition”
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Getafe on Sunday, Alonso made his stance clear:
“We are against the match. We believe it distorts the competition,” said the Madrid boss.
“There hasn’t been unanimity or consultation for it to be played on neutral ground. The protests are positive, and that sentiment is positive. We believe it could happen if there were unanimity, but that’s not the case.”
Silent Protest Across La Liga
The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) announced Friday that players would hold a “symbolic protest” at the start of every La Liga match this weekend.
In Friday’s match between Oviedo and Espanyol, players from both sides stood still for the first 15 seconds, refusing to move after kickoff — though broadcasters chose not to air the moment.
The AFE says the gesture aims to highlight the lack of player consultation and the potential impact on competitive fairness, as clubs lose home advantage and local fans miss out on key fixtures.
Mbappé Fit
Amid the off-field drama, Alonso also provided a fitness update on Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to feature against Getafe after missing France’s recent World Cup qualifier due to ankle discomfort.
“Everyone who went with their national teams, except Dean (Huijsen), has returned in good condition,” Alonso confirmed.
(with AFP inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
October 18, 2025, 8:05 PM IST
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