Barcelona may exit La Liga – Bartomeo. Here are other clubs in Catalan that may follow

Barcelona may have no choice but to exit La Liga if Catalonia should gain independence, that is the echo from the club president Maria Bartomeu today

Catalonia has been agitating for a referendum on self governance for a while and the whole thing came to light

over the last couple of days when Catalonia stage a referendum which the Spanish Government deemed illegal.

“The situation does not exit so far”, “but with regards to things that can happen in the future, it’s something the board of directors will discuss. It will be something to analyse calmly” he said on Monday.

He further said “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.”

It will be a difficult situation for Barcelona football club in terms of playing in European competitions if the independence does happen, yes Catalonia is big enough to form a nation but they will have to form a football league quickly, and be recognised by FIFA and EUFA before they can enter European competitions.

Football is the most important sport in Catalonia which was introduced in the late 19th century by a combination of mostly British immigrant workers and visiting sailors, and students returning from Britain.

Catalonia led the way in the development of Spanish football, organising both the first association and the first league. Today football in Catalonia is organized by the Catalan Football Federation and the RFEF and teams from Catalonia compete in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Copa Catalunya and several European competitions.

Clubs In Catalonia

Since La Liga was formed in 1928, seven Catalan clubs have played in the Primera Division. These include FC Barcelona who have never been relegated and RCD Espanyol who have only missed out on four seasons in the top division. CE Sabadell FC played for 14 seasons in the Primera Division. CE Europa, founding members of La Liga have played three seasons while Gimnàstic de Tarragona, UE Lleida and CD Condal all made brief appearances. Girona FC is playing its first season in La Liga in 2017-18 season.

Ten other clubs FC Barcelona B, Terrassa FC, CF Badalona, UE Llagostera, UE Figueres, UE Sant Andreu, Palamós CF, CE L´Hospitalet, CE Júpiter, EC Granollers and CFJ Mollerussa have all played in the Segunda Division.

The Catalan in terms of football from the list of clubs will be a small League but will be ready for European football in no time if the independence does happen at some stage.