Barca to ‘consider’ leaving La Liga, says club president

Matt Stead

Barcelona will consider leaving La Liga if Catalonia gains independence from Spain.

Barca beat Las Palmas in a league game played behind closed doors at the weekend after over 800 people were injured in clashes with police during the Catalan independence referendum.

The Spanish government has declared said referendum illegal and the result inadmissible, but the situation has reached boiling point in the country.

Barca confirmed that they would be taking part in the general strike in the region on Tuesday, with no training or stadium tours taking place as a result.

The possibility of even playing in the Premier League has been mooted if Catalonia is granted independence from Spain, and club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has discussed the dilemma.

“The situation concerning Barcelona’s future in La Liga does not exist so far,” he told reporters.

“But, with regards to what can happen in the future, the Board of Directors will discuss options.

“Following any independence vote, we would then analyse the situation calmly.

“If we discuss the subject intensely then obviously we will find the best solution. But if this [independence] happens, the board of directors will see.”