LaLiga video games to be performed in U.S. earlier than 2026 World Cup
Relevent Sports activities CEO Daniel Sillman has mentioned LaLiga video games will probably be performed on North American soil earlier than the 2026 World Cup.
LaLiga signed a 15-year advertising and marketing settlement with Relevent Sports activities in August 2018 to advertise the sport in North America and have tried since with out success to stage a number of league video games in the USA.
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“In 2018, we made a primary try and carry a LaLiga recreation to Miami,” Sillman mentioned.
“We weren’t profitable because of a collection of causes. However I can guarantee you that earlier than the 2026 World Cup, there will probably be official LaLiga video games on North American soil.”
FIFA, the Spanish Royal Soccer Federation (RFEF) and the followers have voiced their opposition to LaLiga’s plans.
The RFEF advised ESPN on Thursday: “That risk just isn’t an choice proper now as a result of it isn’t permitted by the nationwide and worldwide sports activities authorized system.”
A Madrid court docket in 2021 additionally blocked the measure by turning down an enchantment by LaLiga and ruling in favour of the Spanish Soccer Affiliation.
Regardless of his prior opposition, Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales mentioned final yr he was open to discussing with LaLiga the potential of staging league video games in Miami and outdoors of Spain.
“Now we have achieved a lot success in the USA and we’d love to finish it with the [league] recreation in Miami,” LaLiga North America CEO Boris Gartner mentioned.
“We wish to be among the many first to carry a European recreation to American soil.
“Within the USA, there’s already a really robust soccer tradition and within the house of 10 years, I am sure that soccer would be the second hottest sport in our nation behind the NFL.”
The US will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico. ESPN has requested the RFEF for remark concerning Sillman’s plans.
