Catalan nationalism is currently at an all time high

          In a recent game at Camp Nou with FC Barcelona playing against Athletico Bilbao a chant of "independencia" erupted once again from some 70,000 fans.  It just so happens the new leader of the pro-independence Catalan Parliament, Carles Puigdemont, was up in the executives box.  He responded to these chants by giving a stately nod.  Fans also were wearing the red and yellow shirts that represented the Catalan flag and expressed their profound dislike for Madrid by repeating a comment made earlier in the week by Puigdemont when he said, "chase the invaders out of Catalonia."  This sense of Catalan nationalism is nothing new but the recent upsurge is remarkable.  The regional elections in September showed 48 percent want independence for Catalonia which is a huge jump from the 15 percent who voted on it twenty or so years ago.
          The party involved is called the People's Unity Candidacies - Constituent Call (CUP).  They along with other partners in the government want to see Catalonia the newest state of the European Union.  Catalonia already has a regional government in place and will look to start drafting their own constitution and the necessary institutions needed for an independent state such as a central bank, judicial system and a Catalan army.  It looks as though the Catalan Parliament in Barcelona will be squaring off against the central government in Madrid as Spain's Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, has made himself clear when he said, "Nobody will break up Spain in any way."  This clearly hinting at their government and courts will strike down any Catalan decision that violates the Spanish constitution.

How tough do you think Madrid's response will be to these extreme measures the Catalan Parliament is taking?  Do you think Catalonia has the right to separate themselves considering they are just being brought down by the rest of Spain in terms of the economy?


                  Citizens in Catalonia rally in the streets for independence

Citizens in Catalonia rally in the streets for independence. Photo: AFP

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http://www.telesurtv.net/english/opinion/We-Want-to-Change-Everything-Catalonia-Fights-for-Independence-20160127-0009.html

FC Barcelona: A Political Weapon

When someone thinks of the region of Spain known as Catalonia, one of the first things that comes to mind is FC Barcelona. The football club is widely supported throughout the region and has deep roots in Catalan culture. Back when Francisco Franco ruled Spain, he oppressed Catalan culture and tried to make FC Barcelona suffer as a symbol of a strong Castilian Spain. He used his political power to effect games and turn Real Madrid into a powerhouse. Almost 100 years later and FC Barcelona is still caught smack in the middle of Spanish politics.

After La Liga President Javier Tebas said that a split for Spain would result in a split for La Liga, some Catalan nationalists have reconsidered their political stance. Below is a page in Mundo Deportivo in which a unionist organization states, "I want Barca to continue playing in La Liga, so let's put an end to separatism."



It is a well known fact that people in Spain consider football to be one of the most important aspects of day to day life and the separation of the Spanish league would be a disaster for football in the country. This is true to the extent that people are basing there political views of independence not on what they think is best for Catalonia and Spain, but what is best for FC Barcelona and La Liga.

Is FC Barcelona a driving force behind keeping Spain united?
Is Javier Tebas using his power as La Liga President to satisfy his political positions?
Is there a third party corrupting Tebas to split La Liga if Spain splits?

https://grup14.com/article/how-could-the-catalan-independence-affect-fc-barcelona

Catalonian Independence and the Spanish National Team

As momentum gains in the push for independence in Catalonia, Spain there are many ripple effects to consider in the world of football. If Catalonia were to secede from Spain, La Liga President Javier Tebas has already stated that FC Barcelona and Espanyol would no longer be members of the Spanish league. While this would be a major blow to both La Liga and the Catalan clubs, another aspect to consider is the effect on the Spanish national team.

When Spain won the World Cup in 2010, their starting XI was a mixture of Catalans and other Spaniards. In fact, five of the eleven starters of the squad were born in Catalonia. This team was considered to be one of the best international football squads of the 2000's and without the Catalans in the team, it's hard to see Spain winning the tournament. Some of the best players in the team including legends Xavi Hernandez and Carlos Puyol were born in Catalonia.

The success of the team can also be attributed to the fact that many of these players were teammates at FC Barcelona. Eight of the starting eleven were key players for FC Barcelona and their camaraderie formed at the club undoubtedly helped the national team. Today, regulars in Spain's national team such as Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba are all Catalan. The Spanish national team would most definitely suffer without these players but how far would the drop off really be?

Would Spain have won the 2010 World Cup without it's Catalan players?
Who would have the better team if Catalonia were to play the rest of Spain?




http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2573060-spain-xi-vs-catalonia-xi-breaking-down-who-would-win

Catalonia Independence Could Mean New Beginnings for FC Barcelona

Goodbye La Liga, Hello Ligue 1

It is no secret that if Catalonia becomes independent from Spain, FC Barcelona would be kicked out of La Liga, so this must mean the end of the Catalan independence push. Not quite. In an article that talks about a scenario just crazy enough to work, Prime Minister of France, Manual Valls has publicly stated that if FC Barcelona are ever forced out of La Liga, then they could just join the French league by slotting them into Ligue 1, there top division. Could this ever happen?

As it just so happens, PM Valls was actually born in Barcelona. The fact that FC Barcelona seems to be invited into Ligue 1 puts more pressure on the Spanish league to keep Catalonia from becoming independent. Besides Real Madrid, FC Barcelona brings in the most amount of money for any football club in the world. With FC Barcelona gone, the Spanish league would be at a huge loss. 

   French Club PSG

If this scenario were to ever happen and FC Barcelona found themselves in the French League, this might not be all that bad for them. They would lose the yearly El Clasico rivalry, but instead would gain the new rivalry against current giants of Ligue 1, PSG. Even better, if and when FC Barcelona plays Real Madrid in any European match, I believe the rivalry would be bigger than ever. The amount of hate between the clubs would be huge and it would no doubt be the match of the year. At first thought, this kind of dramatic change sounds crazy, even stupid, and I would agree! But if Catalonia ever does become independent from Spain and FC Barcelona gets booted out, where else would they go? They could either fall apart, or, in spite of the Spanish league, they could join another. Thoughts? Opinions?

For more information: https://www.rt.com/sport/319932-barcelona-independence-football-valls/

  

Celebrity Fútbol Supporters of Independence

¡Pep per al President!

          Many Spanish fútbol figures have advocated for Catalan independence. These figures include Carlos Puyol, Johan Cruyff, Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez, Joseph Maria Bartomeu (Barcelona President), and the one and only Pep Guardiola. Out of all the aforementioned, Pep has argueably been the most outspoken supporter of the Catalan independence movement. Pep shocked the world when he agreed to become a candidate for Junts per Si (Together for Yes) pro-independence party. Although he could never have realistically accepted this role, it was a very symbolic gesture for the movement. 

          This support of many footballers which includes past and present coaches and players, leads to a very important discussion. Given what has already been examined with the potential negative effects on Barcelona including the possible removal from La Liga, it is interesting to see that these figures support the Catalan drive. Clearly, they must know of these effects of independence on their home, FC Barcelona. 

Why would these footballers want Catalonian independence if it could hurt their club structurally and financially?

How could these footballers endorsing independence benefit from the success of this social development?

          

Pep Guardiola casting his pro-independence vote.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jul/20/pep-guardiola-lends-name-catalonian-separatist-party

The Negative Financial Effects of Independence for Spanish Fútbol

Independence = Bad Business

FC Barcelona have been fined multiple times for the waving of Catalan flags and the chanting of independence songs in matches, specifically those of the UEFA Champions League. Although some of these fines were eradicated after Barcelona agreed to stand neutral towards independence at games, there could be significant negative effects on the finances of Spanish fútbol if the Catalans win their independence stride. Clearly, FC Barcelona brings in revenues from its media and commercial ventures. If independence became a reality and Barca could not compete in the Spanish League, FC Barcelona and La Liga would definitely be crippled financially. However, another key party that would be hurt is Cristiano Ronaldo's home- Real Madrid.

With "El Clásico" acting as one of the world's most anticipated sporting events every year, the match acts as a huge revenue stream for both of the clubs. If Catalan independence occurred and Javier Medrano's (President of La Liga) words of Barcelona not participating in La Liga became true, FC Barcelona would most likely pursue the creation of a Catalan League. This would save the derby matchup of Real and Barca for Champion's League only. "Of course, assuming the team ends up playing in a league of a high enough caliber for the Champion's League."  It is clear that independence would hurt financially for Spanish fútbol giants and the league itself.

Which other parties would be financially weakened if independence occurred?
If independence supporters were aware of the potential negative affects to it beloved FC Barcelona, would they continue their allegiance to Catalonia?

“If Spain splits, so too does La Liga. Let's hope we never reach such an absurdity.”

http://www.dw.com/en/fc-barcelona-a-weapon-for-independence/a-18848965

FC Barcelona Not a Power House Anymore?

          Adiós, La Liga

          September 27th marks the date regional elections will be held here in Catalonia and that could mark a turning point in European football for one of Spain's elite teams, FC Barcelona.  The people that live in Catalonia have been wanting separation from Spain for the longest time.  The last time this region has its freedom from the rest of the country was 1714 which is why they chant for their independence every home FC Barcelona game in the 17th minute.  Recent news has surfaced about what would happen if the region got what it wants and it does not look good for their beloved soccer team.
          According to the President of the Spanish league and the sports minister, Barcelona would not be able to compete in La Liga if they were to establish independence from Spain.  On top of that, Miguel Cardenal made it clear the team would not be a strong force anywhere in European football.  The team itself is more of a business drawing in an absurd number of viewers every game which means a lot of revenue for FC Barcelona.  If they were to be kicked out of La Liga that would be devastating and crippling to the revenue they bring in and that alone would prevent them from being a super power.  It is surprising that this idea has made it thus far but reports say that the Spain's constitution would never let this happen as well as La Liga letting one of their biggest teams go but it has made it this far so we could only wait for the results and see what the future of FC Barcelona holds.

Would La Liga be willing to let go one of its top two clubs/revenue earners?
Could FC Barcelona, if Catalonia became independent, still compete at a high caliber in La Liga if allowed to play in the league?

 

Barca fans waving the "estelada" the flag of Catalonia. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3243745/Barcelona-excluded-La-Liga-Catalonia-gains-independence-Spain-warns-league-president-Javier-Tebas.html

Historical Analysis of FC Barcelona's Cultural Presence in Catalonia

More Than a Club

In 1968, then Barcelona President, Narcis Carreras said the famous words of "Barca es més que un club." He was referring to the fact that Barcelona was more than just a football club, it symbolized and carried the Catalan identity wherever it went. During the rule of Franco in Barcelona, Catalonia was entirely banned and could not be spoken or studied at all. However, one way in which the Catalans could express themselves was through FC Barcelona. Just supporting FC Barcelona gave pride to the Catalans and still does today.   

Every time that FC Barcelona has success, this means the success of Catalonia and this is especially true against rivals Real Madrid. This is not just a rivalry between two clubs, this is a match of the Spanish nationalism versus the Catalan nationalism. A loss for Real Madrid in a way, means a loss for the Spanish nationalism and a victory for the Catalan nationalism and vice versa. It is quite normal to even hear the Catalans chant, "Independencia!", after a victory of the El Clásico. With the recent success of Barcelona's near dominance over Real Madrid, this has further pushed the effort and possibility of Barcelona and Catalan independence. Barcelona supports its Catalan roots, a prime example being their yellow and red striped jersey which symbolizes the Catalonian flag.

How do sports organizations act as social and political outlets for its supporters?
Why could this outlet be a good or bad thing for the Catalan people?

             

Barcelona fans expressing their famous motto.

For more info: http://www.helpcatalonia.cat/2013/01/the-role-of-fc-barcelona-in-catalan.html