Barcelona, Real Madrid, La Liga Rivals to Play Games Abroad, Says Javier Tebas

The president of Spain's National Professional Football League, Javier Tebas, is hopeful that Spanish league and Copa del Rey matches will be played abroad in the near future.

According to AS (via Football Espana) he said at the Sports Business Summit in London:

"

In the medium term we will play Cup or League matches abroad. In the short term it’s not possible.

We can’t yet say where these matches will be played. We need to develop projects and, of course, get the permits from UEFA and FIFA. Of course, FIFA is now occupied with corruption.

"

Tebas also highlighted "the United States, China and Africa" as "strategic locations for the growth of Spanish football."

The NFL has enjoyed success in recent years by hosting annual matches at Wembley Stadium, giving foreign fans the opportunity to watch the sport live and expanding its profile overseas.

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Almost 70,000 fans filled the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, over the summer to witness Barcelona take on Manchester United in the International Champions Cup pre-season tournament, and fans all over the world would undoubtedly welcome the chance to glimpse Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo et al in person.

The Premier League, despite their teams' struggles on the European stage, are currently the financial powerhouse in world football due to their £5.14 billion TV revenue, and teams such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal enjoy a global fanbase.

The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are similarly popular, while teams such as Atletico Madrid and Sevilla are also growing in stature following their recent successes.

A move to developing markets in Asia, America and Africa will only increase the profile and revenue La Liga receives, so from a business perspective, it makes perfect sense.

While they may never catch the unstoppable behemoth that is the Premier League, playing select matches abroad could have a huge impact on the future of Spanish football.

However, Tebas and Co. will also need to be careful not to anger their domestic fans—many of whom are unlikely to welcome the prospect of the Clasico being played away from the Bernabeu or the Camp Nou.