La Liga and media company Relevent remain optimistic that a league match will be staged in the United States this season, with the former’s president stating there is a 90 percent chance it will be a game between Girona and Barcelona in Miami, as reported by Guardian sport and Reuters.
The proposal, which stems from a 15-year deal between the Spanish top flight and Relevent, has been met with widespread criticism. Despite plans to subsidize travel and accommodation for fans, there is still anger from supporters over Girona – playing only their second season in La Liga – effectively losing a home match against their huge local rivals. The league’s players have also not ruled out strike action after declaring they are unanimously against the initiative.
“I’m not certain but I’m optimistic,” Charlie Stillitano, Relevent’s executive chairman, told ESPN FC’s Adriana Garcia of the match understood to be set for Jan. 27, 2019. “We have every desire to do it and La Liga has given us every indication that they want to do it. We are trying to be respectful to everyone involved. We’re confident that it can happen and we are just taking a wait-and-see …read more