Barcelona Players 'to Take Part' in Unprecedented Protest This Weekend
Barcelona are considering a protest following a controversial announcement earlier this month.
Barca, who are second in La Liga, resume their league campaign on Saturday following the October international break.
Hansi Flick's side welcome 18th-placed Girona to the Olympic Stadium as they look to overtake league leaders Real Madrid, who face Getafe on Sunday.
And the fixture between Barca and Girona could see a protest take place.
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According to Spanish outlet Cadena Cope, the Spanish Footballers' Association (AFE) and the captains of the 20 La Liga clubs are working on a potential protest against the USA game between Villarreal and Barca.
La Liga recently announced that the matchday 17 fixture between Villarreal and Barca will be played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on December 20, 2025.
Per the report, the players are furious with the way the Miami has been arranged and intend to show unity by not playing for the first 30 seconds of each game on matchday 9.
AFE president David Aganzo said players cannot support the proposals given the lack of information provided by the league so far.
Aganzo had hoped to speak with La Liga chief Javier Tebas, the captains of the 20 La Liga clubs as well as the two teams involved.
"Tuesday was [supposed to be] the meeting with Tebas and the clubs. We wanted some transparency and respect towards the players," he said.
"More than just taking a game to another country, we wanted to know if the collective bargaining agreement was being fulfilled, the details surrounding the journey, the working conditions... we want information from La Liga.
"If it's as special as LaLiga say, why is no other club celebrating it other than Barcelona and Villarreal? I have not seen any statements celebrating it.
"I can't guarantee it will go ahead. It's the players that play these games. Football is improving, but the conditions have to as well. We have to protect the player."
Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Rafael Louzan, however, believes the American fixture is 'good for football'.
"It's a reward for those fans who are behind the screen, also in Asia or America, who are paying a fee to watch all the Spanish La Liga matches. It's a gesture to them," Louzan explained.
"It's good for football and it promotes the Spanish La Liga around the world. Italy is also going to do it with Serie A in Australia. It's a good move for the best league in the world to do it."
Speaking ahead of Barca's game against Girona, Flick said: "It's not us who have decided to go play the Villarreal game in the USA. We respect it, we know what the situation is."
Nasir Jabbar