Catalonia giants, Barcelona, could be at risk of leaving the La Liga should Catalan get Independence to path ways with Spain.
The Catalan government has said that plans have been laid out for a referendum on Independence against Spain, with claims of over 7,200 people to staff 2,315 polling stations.
FC Barcelona issued a statement condemning the arrest of key members organising the Sunday’s referendum as it is “in defence of the nation, to democracy, to freedom of speech and to self-determination.
Barcelona “condemn any act that may impede the free exercise of these rights” he concluded.
Barcelona plays host to Las Palmas at the Camp Nou on Sunday when the referendum is scheduled to take place. The fans have asked for the team to wear its red and yellow jersey in support of the referendum.
However, FC Barcelona directors have said that the team would put on their usual red and blue jerseys and focus on football rather than politics.
“From today until Sunday, we will express ourselves peacefully.
“Don’t give them any excuse, it is what they want. And we will sing loud and clear. #Wewillvote.”
Barcelona defender Gerard Pique had posted on his twitter account.
In recent years, FC Barcelona fans have expressed immense support as they frequently flying the Catalan flag and chanting “Independence” at home matches.
Neymar on his departure from Barcelona had said “FC Barcelona is a Nation that represents Catalonia.”
A permanent placard hung at a corner in the Camp Nou reads “Catalonia is not Spain.”
Following the current cries for Independence, FC Barcelona, Girona and Espanyol are all at risk of exiting the Spanish La Liga should the Independence pave through.
The President of the Spanish La Liga, Javier Tebas and a staunch supporter of a united Spain has warned that Barcelona would not be able to compete in the La Liga is Catalonia gains Independence.
“In sport, it isn’t a la carte and things must be clearly stated. It isn’t easy to have an agreement and study Spanish legislation but if they do get that, then they will not be able to play in Spain’s La Liga, but I hope it doesn’t come to that.”
However, a quick alternative for Barcelona and other clubs would be to start up a Catalonia league. This will be a new competition to UEFA and would affect qualification for the UEFA Champions League as well as the Europa League, forcing them to navigate through the qualifiers.
Former Prime Minister of France, Manuel Valls, had earlier in 2015 suggested that Barcelona could play in the French Ligue 1, just like Monaco.
A number of Clubs across Europe do not play in their native Cities or Leagues. Swansea, Cardiff, Newport and a host of other Welsh teams all play in the English League but a long length of approval would have to be met for it to sail through.
Earlier, speculations have been made that FC Barcelona could move to the English Premier League, adding more glamour to the richest and most popular league in the world.
FC Barcelona currently has an eight match winning streak in the Spanish La Liga. They also maintain a six point lead at the top of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
