Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has criticized LaLiga’s decision to stage Barcelona’s upcoming league match against Villarreal in Miami, calling the move an act of “adulterating the competition.”

LaLiga announced earlier this month that the December fixture will be held in the United States, marking the first time a European league game takes place abroad.

“It’s totally adulterating the competition,” Courtois told reporters on Tuesday. “People compare it with the NFL or NBA, but those leagues have 82 games and it doesn’t change anything for them. In football, it’s different — here they’ve just decided to do it, and it distorts the fairness of the league.”

The Belgian goalkeeper argued that Barcelona would gain an unfair advantage by facing Villarreal on neutral ground instead of playing at Villarreal’s home stadium.

“Playing away to Villarreal is always tough. Everyone should play home and away — that’s how it should be, except in extraordinary circumstances,” he said.

The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) recently organized protests against the decision, with players standing still for 15 seconds at the start of each league match last weekend. However, not all broadcasts showed the demonstration.

“Hiding it is censorship and manipulation — that’s not right,” Courtois added.

Real Madrid have publicly opposed the match being moved, and Spanish media report that the club has filed a complaint with the Spanish government.

Coach Xabi Alonso echoed Courtois’ stance, saying,

“My opinion is clear — the club is defending its interests, and we’ll see what happens.”

Courtois, who will make his 300th appearance for Real Madrid on Wednesday when they face Juventus in the Champions League, said reaching the milestone is a dream come true.

“I’m very proud of it. When you’re a kid, you dream of playing one game for Real Madrid — and tomorrow will be my 300th.”