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
In regards to FC Barcelona being a driving force in keeping Spain united, I just don't see it being that influencial. FC Barcelona is obviously a massive part of the local culture and identity, but there are far more important factors that are keeping Spain united-employment, global trade, military protection, financing, and the EU are all forces that come to mind that are keeping Spain united. These are all things Spain provides that Catalonia could have difficulty providing the citizens of the region as an independent country.
ResponderEliminarThe blog wasn't meant to say that FC Barcelona was the single driving force behind keeping Spain united, but rather a factor in it. There are definitely more pressing issues in whether the country should be united but based on Spaniards love of football, one has to think the split of La Liga would enter their thought process while voting.
ResponderEliminarAlthough FCB is not the main and only reason that Barcelona is still part of Spain, it definitely has some influence with some people. Futbol is taken very seriously in this city and most people would not accept being removed from La Liga. If Barcelona decides to stay in Spain or become their own country, some influence will be drawn from the futbol issue for sure.
ResponderEliminarThis is exactly what I was thinking. It's definitely not the main reason but knowing how much people love their football, FC Barcelona's exit from La Liga would draw a lot of attention.
EliminarFC Barça are definitely a factor in the separation of Catalan if it ever did happen, but I do not think it will be the deciding factor, as there are a lot of politics going on behind the scenes.
ResponderEliminarEste comentario ha sido eliminado por el autor.
ResponderEliminarI believe that FC Barcelona is one of the factors in keeping Spain united. If they could not play in La Liga, this would affect their economy greatly. Soccer brings in a lot of money for the city. Although there are a lot more important factors, this will influence some spaniards.
ResponderEliminar"The creation of an independent Catalan state, officials warned this week, would mean that Barcelona could no longer take part in the Spanish league. One of the most lucrative events in the sporting calendar would simply cease to exist: no more twice-yearly grudge matches, no more contests between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, no more tantrums and wonder goals".
This quote shows how fans would be very upset if they could not see the match between Messi and Ronaldo.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b686dc50-6369-11e5-9846-de406ccb37f2.html#axzz41fDx3Ivr
- Justin Conway
I 100% agree with this comment! Camp Nou is the second most visited site in Barcelona and football in general brings a lot of money to Spain. Also the demolition of the greatest rivalry in football would hurt all sides involved.
EliminarI tend to agree that FCB is an influential piece that is keeping La Liga together for now. Influential, but certainly not a key aspect, and more likely an afterthought. Nonetheless, even the slightest weight it may carry makes it impactful.
ResponderEliminarNow I know that what i am about to say is a bit of an extrapolation but hear me out. Could Catalunya's independence be the beginning of the G14 European Super League? Assuming that Tebas follows through and kicks FCB out of La Liga, they would then be looking for another league to join. Seems like the perfect storm that could lead to the best European teams forming the super league that has been threatened in the past. Just throwing this out there as food for thought!