What the Catalonia vote actually means for Barcelona and La Liga

Barcelona remaining in La Liga is in both of their best interests. They need each other.

Is this the end for Barcelona in La Liga? Not quite!Sunday’s Catalonia election results are in. And the two pro-independence parties achieved a parliamentary majority with 72 seats total in the Catalan Generalitat or parliament. This, assuming the coalition holds, will then start an 18-month process towards independence.So do these results mean that Barcelona will get kicked out of La Liga, like La Liga president Javier Tebas has warned? Not likely.A lot has been said and written about this situation, not all of it accurate. And the truth is that the highly politicized environment is not easily understood, much less from afar. After all, where else in the world would the election results be celebrated by the two major parties who oppose each other, as was the case on Sunday?If both the pro-independence and pro-unionist parties are celebrating and interpreting results in a way that favors their viewpoint, it is little surprise that such a topic remains so confusing. Throw in a football club with such a global reach, and things can get a bit out of hand.Anyone who says that politics and sport don’t mix clearly doesn’t understand the role the club plays in Catalan society, and underestimates the deeper connection between the club and the Catalan people. Wishful thinking or an incredibly complex socio-political history shouldn’t blind us from seeing things as they are.So looking at the political situation more closely, here are 5 reasons why the Blaugranes are likely to remain in La Liga, even in the case of independence.

#1 Revenue from El Clasico cannot be ignored

Barcelona remaining in La Liga is in both of their best interests. They need each other.

In Barcelona and Real Madrid, pragmatism reigns supreme. In places where hay crisis is practically a daily mantra, the economic benefits from having the Clasico mean that it is also in Madrid’s interest to keep Barcelona within La Liga. TV rights and ticket sales would plummet if that magical fixture date disappeared from the calendar altogether.

This is without even mentioning the amount of tourism that the game and the rivalry generate. Pilgrimages to the Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabeu are an important part of the Spanish tourism industry, helping keep the nation’s economy afloat. Given tourism’s central role in the overall economic situation, it would be foolish to let political pride and posturing to keep the country from benefitting from a €1 billion clash of footballing giants.

Even the pro-independence movement itself shows how important economic concerns are in the large scheme of things. Cultural pragmatism and monetary concerns tend to shape future decisions, and Barca in La Liga wouldn’t be an exception.

#2 Ligue 1 strengthens FC Barcelona\'s bargaining position

Pep Guardiola Barcelona La Liga Ligue 1
Pep Guardiola mentioned how if Spain refuses to let Barcelona play in La Liga, Ligue 1 could be an option

Just like the political process itself, such a major footballing decision would have to be discussed by both parties involved, however unlikely that may seem at this point in time. And despite there seeming to be little willingness towards dialogue, it is inevitable that negations take place once a certain scenario arises.

FC Barcelona knows quite well that Ligue 1 or other European leagues would be happy to have them. The economic, marketing and footballing reasons would be too hard for those leagues to ignore.

And this strengthens the Blaugranes’ hand. Catalonia’s independence may even jump-start the need for a joint European Super League, as some have proposed.

Most football fans already know that Monaco plays in Ligue 1. They have done so for decades. And they are aware of how this could go a long way in facilitating Barcelona’s entrance to the French league – if it comes to that.

Another example is the MLS, which is made up of Canadian and American teams. Even Andorra is allowed to coexist under the Spanish football federation. What this means is that there is already legal precedent which could make things much, much easier for Barcelona to remain in La Liga if Catalunya were to become independent.

#3 Political context of Tebas and Cardenal\'s comments must be taken into consideration

Cardenal and Tebas discuss Catalonia’s independence and La Liga

First, there were threats about getting kicked out of the EU. Then there was the talk about bank runs.

First and foremost, these comments from the LFP president should be taken in their proper context. They were spoken during a tense campaign season, not after a long calm discussion with clubs or other LFP members over possible scenarios. Quite simply, this was a threat to make certain people rethink their vote.

It is quite telling that pro-unionist politicians turned to this sort of statement at all. It just goes to show how important Barca is to the Catalan identity that this sort of threat was taken so seriously.

Yet, at the same time, it is somewhat insulting that some actually thought this would sway votes, especially if looking at things from a pro-independence perspective.

#4 Rivalry would only intensify if Catalunya became independent

Rivalry would intensify further if Catalunya secedes

Barcelona’s exciting come-from-behind win against Bayer Leverkusen started with the Cules booing the Champions League anthem. This was in response to UEFA’s decision to fine the club when supporters brought ‘estalada’ pro-independence flags to Berlin for last season’s final against Juventus.

In fact, some are upset at the FC Barcelona board for not fighting this fine more passionately. The deafening chants in favour of independence at the symbolic 17th minute and 14th second mark can no longer be ignored by international pundits – football or political.

The truth is that the club hasn’t taken an official stance on independence. And even with its Catalan roots, there are still a significant number of supporters that prefer to remain a part of Spain.

Barca president Bartomeu’s re-election over the summer actually had political undertones as well; older more conservative socios (or members) were able to overcome a challenge from the young charming pro-independence Laporta.

What this all means for the future is anybody’s guess. The latest has it that Catalunya president Artur Mas is being taken to court over last year’s unofficial referendum held on 9 November, whereas Catalan pro-independence parties are still pushing for a legal referendum.

With Barca’s football having become a window into Catalan society, there is no doubt that the club will remain in the thick of it all moving forward.

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Edited by Staff Editor