La Liga is refusing to confirm reports that Barcelona‘s scheduled derby meeting with Girona in January will be the competition’s first match played in the United States.

La Liga announced last month it had agreed a 15-year deal with American sports and entertainment group Relevent which would include Spanish top-flight matches being played overseas.

Full details have yet to be given but the plan has caused considerable controversy. The Spanish players’ union, the AFE, has even said strike action could not be ruled out because of a lack of consultation with players.

Some Spanish media outlets are now reporting that the Catalan derby fixture between Girona and La Liga champions Barca, due to be played on January 27, has been selected to be played in the US.

It is claimed that La Liga is prepared to subsidise the travel and accommodation costs of season-ticket holders wishing to fly to the States to watch the game. Those unable to travel would be compensated for the loss of a home fixture.

Neither club has commented on the claims.

A spokesman for La Liga told Press Association Sport: “La Liga is working together with our new partner Relevent Sports to organize the first fixture to be scheduled in the USA. At this point we cannot confirm the teams, match, date or season.”