Alonso Backs Players’ Protest Against La Liga’s Miami Fixture

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso on Saturday expressed his support for La Liga players protesting the decision to stage a Spanish top-flight fixture in Miami, United States, calling the move disruptive and lacking in consensus.

The controversy stems from La Liga’s announcement last week that Barcelona’s away match against Villarreal, scheduled for 20 December, will be held in Miami, marking the first-ever European league fixture to take place outside the continent.

The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) announced on Friday that players would hold a “symbolic protest” at the beginning of every La Liga match this week to express opposition to the decision.

During Friday’s fixture between Real Oviedo and Espanyol, players from both sides stood still for the first 15 seconds of play — although television broadcasts notably refrained from showing the demonstration.

Addressing reporters at a pre-match press conference, Alonso voiced his agreement with the players’ stance, emphasising the need for unity and consultation before such major decisions are made.

“We are against the match; we believe it distorts the competition,” Alonso said.
“There hasn’t been unanimity or consultation for it to be played on neutral ground. The protests are positive, and that sentiment is positive.
We believe it could happen if there were unanimity, but that’s not the case.”

The Real Madrid manager’s remarks reflect broader discontent among clubs and players who argue that taking domestic league matches abroad undermines sporting fairness and local fan engagement.

Turning to team matters, Alonso confirmed that Real Madrid, currently top of La Liga, are set to face Getafe on Sunday, and that Kylian Mbappé should be fit to play.

The French forward had been struggling with ankle discomfort for the past two weeks, which caused him to miss France’s World Cup qualifier against Iceland on Monday.

“Everyone who went with their national teams, except Dean (Huijsen), has returned in good condition,” Alonso added.

With Madrid chasing another league title, Alonso’s backing of the protest highlights a growing rift between La Liga authorities and players, as the debate over football’s globalisation intensifies.