Barcelona decide not to play La Liga game in US

The plans of the Spanish football league to play one game a season in the United States look to be in ruins after FC Barcelona said they were no longer willing to play what was scheduled to be the first game in early 2019.

Barca were to play their away game against Girona in Miami on January 26, but following a meeting of Barca's board of directors on Monday, a statement said they had changed their opinion, reports Xinhua.

"The FC Barcelona Board of Directors have agreed to withdraw their disposal to play their game against Girona FC in Miami, after noting a lack of consensus over this proposal," the statement said.

"FC Barcelona were and remain willing to play a LaLiga game in Miami, and accepted that income from the game would be shared amongst all Primera Division and Segunda Division clubs, following the same criteria of television rights money distribution, but consider that this project will not prosper until there is an agreement between all parties," the club said.

The idea of playing a game in the USA has met widespread opposition from supporters groups and also from the Spanish Football players union (AFE) and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), while Real Madrid are also opposed to the idea.

With Barca withdrawing their support, the project looks to be dead in the water, at least for the near future.

--IANS

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