Pau Gasol believes the internationalization of La Liga should be taken seriously.GETTY IMAGES
NBA San Antonio Spurs forward Pau Gasol said that he "supports La Liga’s plans" to play one regular-season game per year in the U.S., although he believes local supporters "should be compensated for missing a home match," according to Richard Martin of REUTERS. Girona will reportedly face Barcelona in Miami on Jan. 26. La Liga "declined to comment on the reports that Girona's game with Barcelona has been chosen as the first match in the U.S." The Spaniard said, "To me, the internationalization of La Liga and playing a game in the United States is an interesting idea and one that should be taken seriously. I don't know if it distorts the competition but I think there must be a long-term plan and fans need to be compensated." He added, "The NBA has been organizing games outside of the U.S. for several years. I played in Mexico two years ago and they play two games in London each year and there's no controversy because it's the decision of the league." The game in Miami must still be approved by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), the United States Soccer Federation, UEFA and FIFA. Barcelona spokesperson Josep Vives said, "The date hasn't been set, it's not confirmed, but the club believes the arrangement is strategic. It benefits everyone in every sense. Everyone can get rich from this, from the clubs to the players to the sponsors" (REUTERS, 9/6). FOOTBALL ESPANA reported "no image of Catalan nationalism will be allowed" at the proposed match in Miami, while Spanish flags will reportedly be distributed. Cadena Cope reported "no Catalan flags or symbols will be allowed in the stadium, while 40,000 Spanish flags will be handed out to spectators" (FOOTBALL ESPANA, 9/6).
QUICK U-TURN: SPORT reported Barcelona released a statement on Thursday "rectifying the naming of Teresa Basilio as a member of its board." The club "admitted she does not meet the requirements demanded by Barcelona's statutes." Basilio "will not be a member of the board, but will serve as its cultural adviser" (SPORT, 9/6).
