Barcelona and Girona agree to play LaLiga match in Miami | OneFootball

Barcelona and Girona have made a formal request to the Spanish FA (RFEF) to play their January LaLiga fixture in Miami.

Girona had already confirmed last week that they were open to the idea of playing in the United States as it would represent a “great opportunity for expansion” for the club and the city.

On Tuesday, LaLiga released a press release confirming that the presidents of both clubs have now signed a letter along with league chief Javier Tebas asking for the RFEF’s permission to take the local derby match overseas.

“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,” reads the statement.

“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 season-ticket 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 wide-ranging 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.”

Girona – who have only previously hosted the Blaugrana once in a competitive match at the Estadi Montilivi – will reportedly receive €4.5m in compensation and their supporters will be given free air travel and tickets to the match.

LaLiga recently struck a 15-year deal with sports and entertainment group Relevant Sports and though the decision to stage this match across the Atlantic has been highly controversial, if it is approved by the RFEF, it could well be the first of many.