Frenkie de Jong criticized the plan for Barcelona's La Liga match against Villarreal CF to be held in Miami, citing concerns over player welfare and competition fairness.
- Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, 28, publicly opposed the decision to play the La Liga match in Miami, emphasizing player welfare as a key concern.
- The Spanish Football Federation authorized the December La Liga fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal CF to be held at Hard Rock Stadium in August, a decision approved by UEFA.
- De Jong's comments reflect broader tensions about the impact of international fixtures on player health and the integrity of La Liga competitions.
Why It Matters
De Jong's objections highlight growing concerns regarding player welfare and the commercialization of football, raising questions about the future of league matches held in non-traditional venues like Miami.