Barcelona could leave La Liga if Catalonia gains independence from Spain according to the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
The people of Catalonia voted ‘Yes’ for independence in a referendum deemed illegal by Spanish authorities on Sunday.
Barcelona supported the vote for independence and were forced to play their game against Las Palmas, on the day of the referendum, behind closed doors.
Referendum results #In2minutes:
YES: 90.09%
NO: 7.87%
Null votes: 0.89%
Blank votes: 2.03%https://t.co/vtkstOyup3 #infographic pic.twitter.com/Oeja2yjFFd— Catalan Government (@catalangov) October 2, 2017
The club sought the postponement of the match but La Liga threatened to deduct six points if they refused to field a team, Barca had no choice but to agree and went on to win the game 3-0.
Players and staff will join a strike in the region on Tuesday in protest of the Spanish Police’s treatment of voters.
More than 840 people required medical attention after being attacked while trying to cast their ballot.
Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu says while it is not their most pressing concern, the club must consider playing in another country should Catalonia achieve independence:
“In the case of independence, the club and the members would have to decide in which league we would play,” Bartomeu told reporters on Monday.
“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.”
“This situation does not exist so far but with regards to things that can happen in the future, it is something that the board of directors would discuss. It would be something to analyse calmly.
“If we discuss the subject intensely then obviously we will find the best solution. But if this happens, the board of directors will see.”
Spokesperson Josep Vives says if they leave La Liga they won't be short on offers:
Catalan sports minister Gerard Figueras added: “In the case of independence, Catalan teams in La Liga Barcelona, Espanyol and Girona will have to decide where they want to play in the Spanish league or a neighbouring country like Italy, France or the Premier League.
