FC Barcelona to QUIT La Liga? Club issues warning if Catalonia independence goes ahead

Mr Bartomeu admitted the European giants are considering playing outside of Spain with rumours emerging the club could join the Premier League after more than 90 per cent of voters called for Catalonia to separate from Spain and become an independent country.

Violent clashes in the region in recent days led Barcelona to play Sunday’s league match against Las Palmas behind closed doors in protest at the police violence towards voters, with more than 840 people requiring medical attention.

The Barcelona club president warned on Monday: “In the case of independence, the club and the members would have to decide in which league we would play.

“We are going through difficult and complicated moments and with respect to what could happen in the future we will take it on with calm and wisdom.”

barcelona catalonia independence referendum la liga spainAFP•REUTERS

Do you think Barcelona will end up playing domestic football outside Spain?

According to La Liga rules, all clubs must be registered with their respective national federation and if Catalonia gains independence, it would no longer be part of Spanish federation.

League officials would then have to make an exception to allow teams in Catalonia, such as FC Barcelona, Espanyol and Girona, to continue playing in the Spanish domestic competition.

Some of the team’s top stars have spoken out about the row, with defender Gerard Pique admitting he would be prepared to quit the Spanish national team having backed the Catalan independence bid.

He said: “I go to play with the (Spanish) national team because I believe in democracy and there are a lot of people in Spain who don’t agree with what has happened today.

I feel Catalan and today I defend the people of Catalonia because there wasn’t a single act of aggression and the police and civil guard have come and done what they’ve done

Gerard Pique


“The person who goes with the national team, isn’t the most patriotic, you have to go and perform to your maximum. It’s not a competition of patriotism, it’s about going and giving all you can to win – that’s how I understand it.

“If anyone in the federation believes I should not be there, I will step aside.”

Pique gave a tearful interview after playing in an empty stadium as Barcelona beat Las Palmas 3-0 on Sunday.

He told Spanish media: “After what has transpired it has been my worst experience as a professional.

“It’s been a hard day for families, children, grandparents and the images speak for themselves. The protests didn’t have any type of violence and the images have now been seen around the world.

REUTERS

The club played behind closed doors at the weekend amid unrest at the Catalan referendum

“The club committee tried to postpone the game then they came to the dressing room and, as a club, we debated it and decided to play.

“There were arguments for and against playing, we took into account the points at stake. Las Palmas and La Liga wanted the game to be played and there’s no point in going over it again.

“My opinion matters little, there were a lot of people in the dressing room who expressed theirs and in the end we decided to play.

“I understand those who didn’t want to play and I don’t think the ‘Mes que un club’ (club motto – means “more than a club”) went before this decision but I understand those who didn’t want it to be played.”

GETTY

Club president Bartomeu has admitted the club’s future has been affected by the row

He slated Spanish police for their violent reaction towards protestors, telling reporters: “When you vote, you can vote yes, you can vote no or you can leave it blank. In this country, during Franco’s regime, you couldn’t vote and that’s a right we need to defend.

“I feel Catalan and today I defend the people of Catalonia because there wasn’t a single act of aggression and the police and civil guard have come and done what they’ve done.”

The club, home to world renowned stars including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta, faces a difficult few days as the referendum row continues to dominate the headlines and the future of Catalonia remains uncertain.