Football – La Liga: Players Refuse To Play In The United States
Footballers in Spain have not ruled out strike action over a plan to stage a top-flight league match in the United States, says the players’ union.
Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and Barcelona vice-captain Sergio Busquets were among the high-profile players to attend a meeting on Wednesday to discuss their “concern” over the issue.
La Liga captains will have a meeting tomorrow with La Liga’s representatives in order to protest against the decisions of having La Liga games played in Canada and the US. They will refuse to play in these countries.
— Mascherano (@MascheranoStats) 22 August 2018
La Liga agreed a 15-year deal with US media company Relevent. The players’ union – the AFE – says its members were not consulted by La Liga. Players from all of the La Liga sides met in Madrid to discuss the issue with AFE president David Aganzo.
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Among those in attendance were Ramos and Real Madrid team-mate Nacho, Barcelona duo Busquets and Sergi Roberto, Leo Baptistao from Espanyol, Bruno from Villarreal, and Atletico Madrid players Koke and Juanfran.
Aganzo said:
The problem is the lack of common sense, a schedule where only the export of soccer benefits – nobody counts on the fans. We need to fix it with the bosses. The captains are outraged, they’re against it, they are unanimous. It does not make sense. We are talking about an agreement that has a validity of 15 years without consulting the players.
Aganzo also said the players would meet again in September.
Social Media Reactions:
crazy idea to play one la liga match a season for 15 years in USA. no prizes for guessing which game will be exported. disgraceful way to treat the fans of real Madrid and barcelona. spanish players threaten strike action to stop it. what next? old firm game in Montevideo?
— ken McNab (@beatleken) 22 August 2018
@LaLigaEN So I guess North American (Canada, Mexico and US) fans should stop supporting La Liga teams!!! I find it funny they are “outraged” but have no rage when collecting tourney paychecks and royalties from North American sales! ???? pic.twitter.com/OvvgFc9xrP
— My 2 Cents (@queens13) 22 August 2018
The company that has the deal w La Liga for matches in the US is same one that’s been gouging US fans with meaningless friendlies. Some responsibility lies with US soccer fans to refuse to be taken for fools with more money than sense, & show they care about integrity of the game
— ⚽️ is a Country (@FutbolsaCountry) 22 August 2018
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