Huesca ‘would love’ to play La Liga game in U.S. if player row is settled

Huesca are willing to be one of the La Liga sides that play a game in North America this season, the club’s CEO has exclusively revealed to ESPN FC.

Jose Antonio Martin Otin, better known as Peton, says the club “would love” to take part in a game in the United States or Canada — if a row with Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) over the agreement is settled.

“Huesca have made an offer to the LFP to be one of the teams that play the game in the United States, as long as there’s an agreement with the players in Spain,” Peton revealed.

“If there’s an agreement with the players, Huesca have told the LFP president [Javier Tebas] to keep us in mind when it comes to playing this game. We would love to be involved in it.”

La Liga’s plan to play regular domestic games overseas in each of the next 15 seasons, starting this year, has led to a significant backlash.

AFE president David Aganzo said players were “angry and surprised” about the proposals and didn’t rule out a strike to block any potential game being played this season.

However, Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde suggested in a recent news conference that the players were most upset that they were not consulted.

Aficiones Unidas, which represents fans in Spain, also complained about the agreement, saying home supporters are being “disrespected.”

Peton guaranteed his club’s supporters that they would find a solution which left them satisfied and added that Huesca would be willing to give up one of their home games to play in the U.S.

“It doesn’t matter to us if it’s a home game or an away game,” he said. “We would find a formula to ensure our fans are happy. I’m sure we would find an agreement [with the fans]. We are really interested in this idea.”

It was reported last week that Girona’s home game against Barcelona had been targeted, but La Liga told ESPN FC that it has not yet finalised the date, location or teams that will play the match.

Spain’s sports minister, Jose Guirao, has said a deal must be reached between La Liga and its players and that the league must find a way to expand overseas without its interests conflicting with those of domestic fans. La Liga and AFE will meet in September.