The chief of Spanish sport has claimed that Barcelona “would turn into a team like Ajax, Celtic or Standard Liege” if Catalonia was granted independence.
In light of pro-independence party Together for Yes being installed as favourites to win the Catalonian parliamentary elections this Saturday, Spain’s Secretary of State for Sport has warned Barca that the lack of competition as a result of being exiled from La Liga will weaken them considerably.
“The sporting aspirations of Catalan clubs would be different,” Miguel Cardenal said at a Press conference to unveil La Liga’s new mascot Capi.
“Barca, for example, would turn into a team like Ajax, Celtic or Standard Liege and, at best, reach the knockout stages or quarter-finals of the Champions League. It’s not scaremongering, it’s being realistic.
LFP President Javier Tebas then confirmed his Twitter stance, adding: “Catalan clubs wouldn’t be able to play in the Spanish League because legislation prevents it.
“[Spain’s] Sports Law states that the only [non-mainland] state which can play in national competitions is Andorra. Nonetheless, I’m confident that Catalonia will never separate from Spain.
“[The processes that an independent Catalonia plan to undergo] require reflection and the knowledge of the consequences which [independence] brings.”