Real Madrid opposes moving Villarreal C.F. vs. F.C. Barcelona outside Spain, citing sporting fairness and territorial integrity
Real Madrid has publicly rejected the proposal to play the National First Division League Championship match between Villarreal C.F. and F.C. Barcelona on match day 17 outside Spain. The club argues that the measure, taken without prior information or consultation with the participating clubs, violates the essential principle of territorial reciprocity that governs two-legged league formats (one match at each team’s home ground). It contends that staging a match abroad would disrupt competitive balance and grant an undue sporting advantage to the applicant clubs.
The integrity of the competition, Real Madrid says, requires all matches to be played under identical conditions for every team. Unilaterally changing this regime would break equality among contenders, undermine the legitimacy of the results, and set a dangerous precedent that could open doors to exceptions based on non-sporting interests, thereby threatening sporting integrity and potentially adulterating the competition. If such a change were implemented, the club warns, the consequences could mark a turning point in world football.
Any modification of this nature, according to Real Madrid, must have the express and unanimous agreement of all participating clubs and must strictly comply with national and international rules governing official competitions.
In defense of these principles, Real Madrid has already taken three specific actions:
1) Petitioned FIFA, as the guardian of international football rules, not to authorize the match without the prior consent of all clubs involved.
2) Asked UEFA, as the guardian of European competition integrity and regulatory alignment with FIFA, to urge the RFEF to withdraw or deny the request, reaffirming UEFA’s 2018 criterion that official matches in domestic competitions should not be played outside national territory except in duly justified exceptional circumstances, which are not present here.
3) Called on the Consejo Superior de Deportes (Spain’s High Sports Council) not to grant the necessary administrative authorization without unanimous consent.
Real Madrid reiterates its commitment to respecting national and international rules that ensure the fairness and proper functioning of official competitions and will defend its compliance before all competent bodies.
Context and outlook
– The dispute centers on whether a domestic league match can be relocated outside Spain, a move that would require broad consensus among clubs and alignment with governing bodies’ rules.
– UEFA’s 2018 stance in this area underscores a broader framework aimed at maintaining domestic competition integrity and geographic consistency.
– The club’s stance emphasizes fans’ interests and the perceived need to protect the sporting equality that underpins league standings and results.
Summary and takeaways
Real Madrid’s position reinforces the principle that domestic league games should be conducted within the national arena unless exceptional, unanimously agreed circumstances warrant otherwise. The club’s three-pronged approach—approach to FIFA, UEFA, and Spain’s Sports Council—highlights the pathway through which football authorities aim to preserve fairness, governance, and sporting legitimacy. Fans and observers can expect continued dialogue among the bodies involved as this issue moves forward.
Positive note
Affirming the commitment to fair play and clear governance may help maintain trust among supporters that the integrity of the competition remains the priority over external or non-sporting considerations.