According to the website of maltatoday, European Sports Affairs Commissioner Mikarev criticized the proposal to hold domestic football league events outside Europe. Previously, the Spanish Football Association has approved Villarreal and Barcelona to be held in the United States in December this year.

Michalev wrote on Twitter: "In my opinion, the situation is clear. European events must be held in Europe and European football must remain in Europe. Whether as a commissioner or as a lifelong fan, I believe that the club's success is largely due to loyal fans and local communities. Transferring the events abroad is not innovation, but betrayal."

Previously, the Association of Spanish Football Supporters (FASFE) and the fans of Barcelona and Villarreal issued a statement to express "absolute, thorough and firm opposition" to the plan to host the game overseas. They urged the Spanish Football Association and the Spanish National Sports Commission to "stop such absurd behavior" and warned that if the plan advances, "appropriate legal action will be taken."

Mikaref said in an interview that he had met with Ronan Evan, the head of Football Supporters Europe, to express his support for fans, especially for Spanish and Italian fans. At the EU Sports Forum held in Krakow earlier this year, Mikarev promised that fans would be fully involved in discussions on sports and governance issues.