La Liga players staged a coordinated 15-second protest against plans to move a match to Miami, but TV broadcasters were reportedly asked by the league not to show the action.
La Liga players staged silent protests across Spain this weekend against plans to hold a league match in Miami, but the demonstrations were reportedly not shown on TV after the league urged broadcasters to avoid filming them.
According to The Athletic, players in every top-flight game stood motionless for 15 seconds after kick-off to oppose La Liga’s decision to host Villarreal’s December 20 fixture against Barcelona in Florida. The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) organised the protests, accusing the league of a “lack of transparency, dialogue and consistency.”
Instead of showing the protests, broadcasters displayed exterior shots or close-ups of the centre circle. Only DAZN’s coverage of Elche vs Athletic Club captured the full scene of players standing still.
AFE said the action was a “symbolic protest” against “a project that does not have the approval of the main players in our sport.” Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso backed the players, saying the plan “distorts the competition.”
La Liga declined to comment but earlier warned players that unapproved protests could have “unwanted consequences.”
The protests came after UEFA reluctantly approved league matches being played abroad for the first time, sparking backlash across Europe.