The FC Barcelona, Girona FC and LaLiga have requested
permission from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to stage the
matchday 21 fixture between Girona and Barcelona, scheduled to be played on 26
January, at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in a 20:45 CET kick-off.
The request, signed by FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu, Girona FC
President Delfí Geli and LaLiga President Javier Tebas, was submitted to the RFEF
late Monday. The submission has been made after successfully completing the first
key steps with several stakeholders.
One of the elements of the request is the compensation offered to Girona seasonticket
holders, who have this fixture included in their season ticket. Aficiones Unidas
(AFEPE), an association of fan clubs, has welcomed this compensation package.
The clubs and LaLiga, recently named Honorary Ambassador of Brand Spain, also
explained that they will work hand in hand with the main Spanish government
institutions, as well as other federations and sports entities, to promote Spanish
football and its values as a vehicle for developing the Brand Spain in North America.
The proposed LaLiga match in Miami is part of LaLiga North America, a wideranging
and long-term joint venture announced in August between LaLiga and
Relevent, a multinational media, sports and entertainment group. LaLiga North
America is targeted at promoting football in the United States and Canada.