October 24 – The head of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales, hopes FIFA will try to block the controversial La Liga fixture scheduled to be switched to the United States in January when its Council meets this Friday in Rwanda.
The first ever overseas La Liga game, between Girona and Barcelona in Miami, is on the Council agenda for discussion and Rubiales, who strongly opposes La Liga president Javier Tebas’ efforts to make it happen, told Mundo Deportivo that not enough consultation has taken place with the various stakeholders.
“Everything started badly. First, we should have spoken with the institutions that have the capacity to decide, both internationally and nationally,” he said. “Gianni Infantino has been very clear with his views. The fixture is on the agenda on Friday. Within its statutes, FIFA has the capacity to intervene.”
Rubales rejected the argument that there is already a precedent in terms of the Spanish Supercup taking place in Tangier.
“There are many differences. The Supercup was not hurt in terms of ‘fair play’ since it was a final in a neutral field. In a domestic competition you deprive a team of the advantage of playing at home.”
But what if Girona, as the official home team, is willing to go ahead?
“We, as the guarantor of the competition, have the obligation to be even above the decisions of the club,” said Rubiales. “There are 18 other clubs that have to visit Girona and they are also affected. The rules have to be the same for everyone. Money does not justify everything.”
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