LaLiga vows to battle FIFA over playing Girona vs Barcelona in Miami

October 26 – The Spanish league says it will appeal if prevented by FIFA from breaking new ground by staging the much-publicised fixture between Girona and Barcelona overseas in Miami in January.

FIFA’s ruling Council today rejected the idea, saying league matches had to be played on home soil.

“The FIFA council of course discussed this matter and this proposal to host an official game of La Liga outside of Spain, in Miami in particular,” Gianni Infantino told reporters.  “The council emphasised the sporting principle that official match leagues must be played within the territory of the respective member association.”

The decision was a further blow to La Liga president Javier Tebas, who last month said he was “90% sure” the game, part of a 15-year deal to stage one game a season overseas, would take place.

A spokesman for La Liga responded: “Should we receive official notification from FIFA that they prohibit the match, we will take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport urgently.”

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