lunes, 15 de febrero de 2016

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

4 comentarios:

  1. Even if Spain split, it does not mean Barcelona will not be part of La Liga. Look at Monaco. Perfect example.

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    1. If Catalonia splits, La Liga's president clearly has said the team will not be a part of La Liga. Monaco is a similar example, however it is not nearly congruent to the Barcelona case.
      -Colin

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  2. I believe that Javier Medrano is making an empty threat. As president of La Liga, I am doubtful that he would advocate a decision to remove FCB from the league, because it would be self-destructive to La Liga. El Clásico is the third most televised football match in the world, behind only the World Cup final and Champions League final. To remove FCB from the league would severely damage La Liga's profits because the two teams would no longer compete. The elimination of El Clásico would outrage fans on both sides of the rivalry and would make La Liga substantially less exciting to follow. Without FCB, Real Madrid would become the sole dominant force in La Liga, which makes the league much less interesting.

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    1. It is true that Madrid would become the leader of the league by far, much similar to PSG in the French League. Do you think the likes of Cristiano or Lionel would enjoy a break from the difficult challenge of El Clasico?

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