The Spanish football federation approved a La Liga request to hold a match between Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami this season, officials announced Monday.

Real Madrid issued a statement on Tuesday opposing La Liga's plans to move Barcelona's match at Villarreal to the U.S. in December, arguing the decision would compromise the competitive integrity of Spain's top flight.

The announcement that the Villarreal–Barcelona match on matchday 17 will be played on December 20 in Miami sparked outrage in Spanish soccer. The decision, endorsed by the RFEF and promoted by Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, has been branded an “aberration” and “disrespectful” by many.