La Liga players are set to protest this weekend's league games over the controversial decision to play a regular season match in the United States. The Spanish soccer players' union (AFE) announced on Friday that players would demonstrate their discontent during the ninth round of La Liga matches.

The planned action involves a symbolic 15-second pause after kickoff in each game, a move agreed upon by the captains of the 20 top-flight clubs. The union stated that this protest is meant to "denounce the lack of transparency, dialogue, and coherence of La Liga regarding the possibility of playing a game in the United States".

The specific match in question is between Barcelona and Villarreal, scheduled for December 20 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This would mark the first time a La Liga game is played outside of Spain. La Liga officially announced these plans last week.

While the AFE has not asked Barcelona and Villarreal players to participate in the on-field protest, the union stated that they "share the basic premise of the protest". The AFE's statement clarified that the protest isn't directed against any club but towards La Liga and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who agreed to the move without the players' approval.

The decision to play in Miami has been met with criticism, citing concerns over increased travel and a congested playing calendar. Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has voiced his disapproval, echoing these concerns. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick admitted that neither he nor his players are happy about the situation but acknowledged that the decision rests with La Liga.

La Liga North America Managing Director Nicolas Garcia Hemme defended the decision, claiming it's a crucial step for Spanish football to differentiate itself in the U.S. market. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also defended the move, emphasizing the opportunity to further expand into the American sports market. Villarreal's president, Fernando Roig Alfonso, sees it as a historic opportunity for the club to grow and gain visibility in the U.S.

Real Madrid has also voiced opposition to the game, appealing to UEFA, FIFA, and Spain's Ministry for Sport to prevent it. Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos said that La Liga is "adulterating" the competition.

Despite the widespread criticism, La Liga president Javier Tebas has been a long-time proponent of playing a La Liga game in the U.S. He sees it as a "historic step" to project La Liga and Spanish soccer to a new dimension.

The first protest occurred at the match between Oviedo and Espanyol, but the television feed cut away from the field for the first 25 seconds, missing the players' planned pause.