Madrid, 22 October (H.S.): La Liga has officially cancelled its plan to host a regular-season match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami this December, citing logistical uncertainties and a lack of sufficient preparation time.In a statement released on Tuesday, the Spanish top-flight football league announced the decision was made following discussions with the game's promoter, Relevant Sports.

After discussions with the promoter of the official La Liga match that was to be held in Miami, the event has been cancelled due to the uncertainty that has arisen in Spain in recent weeks, the statement read.The league reiterated its belief that staging official matches abroad would have been a significant step towards the global growth of the competition, strengthening the international presence of its clubs and the global visibility of Spanish football.

Game promoter Relevant Sports confirmed it had advised La Liga of the need to postpone the match, stating there was not enough time to properly prepare an event of this magnitude. Relevant also noted it would be irresponsible to start selling tickets without a confirmed match.

The decision follows widespread criticism from players and other clubs regarding the initiative to play competitive league matches outside of Spain. Villarreal was designated as the home team for the fixture, which was scheduled to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was among the vocal opponents, expressing his disapproval. Teams should play both home and away, he remarked.

It's difficult to play away in the Spanish league. Playing at Villarreal's ground is very tough, so every team should have to play both home and away fixtures unless there is a major reason not to.

This development comes despite a long-term partnership between La Liga and Relevant Sports, which is part of a group owned by Stephen Ross that includes the Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins, the Formula One Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open.

The plan to host a La Liga match in Miami had regained momentum after FIFA withdrew from a lawsuit filed by Relevant, with the global football body later announcing it would form a working group to review its rules on the matter.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar