Sports

La Liga players reject US match

Published

6 years ago

August 23, 2018

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 , BBC Sport reports .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 agreed a 15 – year deal with US media company Relevent on Friday.

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 on Wednesday to discuss the issue with AFE president David Aganzo .

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 . ”

On the possibility of strike action , he added , “ We will try not to reach that extreme but we are willing to go to the end if necessary . ”

Aganzo said the players would meet again in September .

Asked last week when the US – based match would take place , and whether it would be a regular fixture , La Liga told BBC Sport it “ cannot confirm the teams , match , date or season ” .