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FIFA president Gianni Infantino objects to La Liga games in USA

Gianni Infantino
Image: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is against the move to play La Liga games in USA

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has voiced his objection to leagues playing competitive games abroad ahead of a proposed Girona vs Barcelona La Liga match in Miami.

As part of a 15-year deal signed with entertainment and sports group Relevent in August, the Spanish top flight wants to play at least one regular-season game a year in North America.

This season, Girona's 'home' game against Barcelona is set to be played in Miami's Hard Rock stadium on January 26.

"I think I would prefer to see a great MLS (Major League Soccer) game in the US rather than La Liga being in the US," Infantino said.

"In football, the general principle is that you play a 'home' match at 'home', and not in a foreign country."

He then explained "there are procedures in place for these things" and said FIFA "will wait to receive anything official and then we'll look into it".

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Image: Lionel Messi could be playing a La Liga game in Miami in January 2019

Talks are ongoing with the players and La Liga have addressed some of the concerns raised in Spain about compensating season ticket-holders and subsidising fans who want to travel to the game.

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But there has been no real progress on gaining approval from the Spanish and American federations, or the continental bodies UEFA and CONCACAF (North America).

Though FIFA's permission is not mandatory, Infantino added: "FIFA should also express a view on the matter, not least since it would have implications for football at global level as well."

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