MADRID, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- The prospect of a game from the Spanish La Liga being played in the USA moved closer on Tuesday when the Spanish Football League (LaLiga) confirmed that Girona FC and FC Barcelona have requested permission for their game scheduled for January 26 to be played in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium.
La Liga confirm that the request was submitted to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Monday evening and that it had been signed by Josep Maria Bartomeu and Delfi Geli, the presidents of Barca and Girona and La Liga President Javier Tebas.
La Liga adds that one of the elements in the request is "the compensation offered to Girona season ticket holders," for missing the chance to see their side entertain Barca in the Montilivi Stadium.
The plan to play a Spanish domestic fixture in Miami is part of a 15-year-agreement signed by La Liga and US multimedia, sports and entertainment group, Relevant as part of La Liga's ongoing plans to promote their league abroad.
However, although the request to play in the US has been sent to the RFEF, that does not mean the game will be played there: RFEF President Luis Rubiales has made his opposition to the scheme very clear and has complained that his organization were not consulted before La Liga and Relevant signed their accord.
Meanwhile the Spanish players' union (AFE) is also opposed to the idea, with AFE President David Aganzo even discussing the threat of strike action.
Playing on January 26 would also present logistical problems given that the date falls between the first and second legs of the quarterfinals of the Spanish Cup quarterfinals, meaning that if either Barca or Girona remain in the tournament, they will have the disadvantage of a return trip to the US before the second and decisive leg which would decide whether or not they go into the last four.
