Barcelona withdraw from overseas fixture against Girona in Miami

Barcelona were earmarked to play Girona on 26 January at the home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins

La Liga has spoken out against Uefa's plans (Getty)

La Liga’s plans to stage a match in the United States next month have been derailed after Barcelona, who were scheduled to play Girona in Miami, withdrew their support for the game on Monday following a board meeting.

“The FC Barcelona Board of Directors have agreed to withdraw their willingness to play against Girona in Miami after seeing the lack of consensus surrounding the proposal,” a Barcelona club statement read.

The proposed fixture had received opposition from the Spanish FA and football’s world and European governing bodies, UEFA and FIFA, and Barcelona stated that while they were still willing to pursue the Miami match, they would only do so if a satisfactory agreement could be made between all parties.

“FC Barcelona were and remain willing to play a La Liga game in Miami, and accepted that income from the game would be shared among all Primera Division and Segunda Division clubs, following the same criteria of television rights money distribution,” the statement continued.

La Liga, who signed a 15-year agreement with entertainment company Relevant Sports designed to promote the sport and La Liga in North America back in August, also released a statement in response to Barcelona’s announcement.

“We regret to disappoint our fans in the US and will work to, in the shortest possible time, stage an official La Liga game in the US,” the statement read.

“La Liga will continue the planned action so an official game can be played outside of Spain.”

Reuters