Tuesday, 7th October, 2014
Barcelona and Espanyol are facing possible exclusion from La Liga if Catalunya becomes independent.
The Catalan region will hold a referendum on 9th November on the question of independence from Spain, even if it is not yet clear whether it will be recognised.
Catalunya have been fighting for an independent country for decades, but the Spanish government have so far resisted any such attempts at a referendum.
Should the region become independent then Barcelona and Espanyol will face possible exclusion from La Liga, Spain’s top division.
"There is one exception and that applies to Andorra but Barcelona and Espanyol will not be allowed to play for an independent Catalunya in the Spanish league system", Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish Football Federation, was quoted as saying by Voetbal Primeur.
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An amendment to the rules might allow Barcelona and Espanyol to continue as La Liga outfits even after Catalunya’s independence, but Tebas said that it will require the intervention of the Spanish parliament.
“For such a scenario a mood change in the Spanish parliament is needed. It remains to be seen whether the parties give their approval."
The outcome of the possible referendum might not be binding as the Spanish parliament has indicated that it is unconstitutional.
Other than Barcelona and Espanyol, third division teams such as Llagostera, Girona and Sabadel will also have to face the consequences of the referendum.
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