LaLiga players protest against match in the US.

247 LaLiga players began a series of silent protests on the field this weekend, demonstrating their dissatisfaction with the league's decision to hold an official match in the United States. This information was reported by Reuters and confirmed by the Spanish Football Players Association (AFE), which is coordinating the protests.

The controversy began after the confirmation that the match between Barcelona and Villarreal, valid for the national competition, will be played in Miami in December. The decision was authorized by UEFA, but received severe criticism from clubs and athletes. Real Madrid had already spoken out against the measure in August, arguing that it would compromise the sporting integrity of the competition.

Protests on the field

On Friday, players from Oviedo and Espanyol stood still for the first 15 seconds of the match, initiating collective protests. The initiative was repeated in other games over the weekend. In the Catalan derby between Girona and Barcelona, ​​players from both teams also remained motionless for the same period, as a sign of unity.

The union reported that, initially, Barcelona and Villarreal would stay out of the action to avoid interpretations of direct retaliation against the clubs involved in the Miami game. However, Barça players decided to join the demonstration this Saturday, broadening the reach of the mobilization.

AFE's position and official reaction

In a statement, the Spanish Football Players' Association was categorical: "Given LaLiga's constant refusals and unrealistic proposals, the Association categorically rejects a project that does not have the approval of the main players in our sport."Meanwhile, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzan, defended the transfer of the match, describing it as... "a reward for the fans"AFE, in turn, demands more dialogue, transparency, and access to information about the project's exceptional conditions.