The Athletic FC Podcast La Liga set for U.S. match - is the Premier League next?
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Aug 19, 2025 Adam Crafton and Matt Slater, football reporters from The Athletic, dive into the exciting potential of La Liga matches hitting U.S. soil, with a focus on a historic clash between Villarreal and Barcelona in Miami. They discuss the hurdles faced and approvals required for this groundbreaking event. The duo also explores the broader implications for La Liga and its competition with Major League Soccer, alongside the financial intricacies involved. Plus, they touch on the controversial idea of a Premier League '39th game,' stirring up debates on globalization in sports.
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Obstacles Cleared But Approvals Needed
- Legal obstacles that blocked previous attempts have largely been removed, making the Miami fixture likely to happen.
- FIFA, UEFA and CONCACAF approvals still remain as final hoops to clear.
Relevant's 2018–19 Miami Push
- Relevant previously tried to stage a La Liga game in Miami in 2018–19 and was blocked by U.S. Soccer and FIFA.
- That failed push led to a five-year legal battle which influenced later settlements.
FIFA's Weak Hand After Settlement
- FIFA's working group sits between conflicting stakeholders and faces legal pressure from Relevant.
- That weakness may limit FIFA's ability to block future foreign domestic matches.