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Spain is in the middle of a tense political drama that revolves around Catalan independence movement. On October 27 last year, the government of Catalonia voted in favor of independence from Spain.
The Catalonia region of Spain is demanding its independence from the Republic of Spain. Catalonia was an independent region of the Iberian peninsula - modern-day Spain and Portugal with its own language laws and customs.
The war of Spanish Succession ended with the defeat of Valencia in 1707 of Catalonia in 1714 and finally with last of the islands in 1715 resulting in the birth of modern-day Spain.
In recent years Catalonia held the vote of independence(referendum) several times. Calls for complete independence is growing day by day, catalysed by the economic crisis in Spain.
This raises a big question: How this political situation in Spain will affect Barcelona? What would happen if Catalonia splits? Where will Barca play?
#1 Barcelona play in a newly formed League
If Catalonia splits from Spain there is no reason for not having a league of its own. Catalonia would have the population more than the likes of Scotland and Denmark. It would be a country much like Portugal with more than enough population and interest to create a league of its own.
There are two ways to look at the situation of Barcelona playing in a newly formed league.
Thrown out of the La Liga
It's highly probable that Barcelona will be shown the door out of the La Liga. The reasons are not so hard to guess as the club has been a staunch supporter of the Catalonian independence movement and has made several political statements.
It's diametrically opposite to what Spanish state defends. It should not come as surprise, as unlike other teams, Barcelona always had a political stance. In other words, they have firmly stood tall against the Spanish government. Tension is already high in Spain and it seems Barca has already taken sides.
Think of it as bitter response from Spain.
" Since Catalonia left Spain, you being pro Catalonia are out"
If the process advances, which I hope it doesn't, Catalan clubs will not be able to play in the Spanish league. I can't understand Spain without Catalonia and for me Catalonia is a part of Spain, I am certain that the TV rights for a Catalan league would not give them as much money and they would no longer be a top club in Europe," Javier Tebas, president of La Liga (LFP)
The other way to look at the situation:
Barcelona would leave the league on moral ground. The people of Catalonia, after so much struggle, will expect Barcelona to play in their own league.
The club directly or indirectly has stood with people of Catalonia since the time of General Franco and If Barcelona refuses to play in a newly formed league it would be like stabbing them in the back. It will also seriously hurt Barca's image as more than just a club.
#2 Barcelona stays in La Liga
La Liga would not want Barcelona to leave as it generates a lot of money and they understand that they would lose a lot of revenue. It would not be an overstatement to say that La Liga needs Barcelona as much as Barca needing to be in the league.
Not having Barcelona among the teams playing would make La Liga less valuable to the broadcasters. Barcelona also would love to play in the La Liga as they know that they would very easily win the league every year against a bunch of small teams and people would stop watching them.
It would be in the best interest of Barcelona to remain in the La Liga. For someone who does not follow La Liga closely, It's the El Clasico that keeps the league alive.
#3 Barcelona joins the French League
Barcelona could join French league. Ligue 1 would be more than happy to grab this opportunity with both hands as the inclusion of a big team like Barcelona would imply an inflow of money, broadcasters, and audience. They could temporarily expand the division to include FC Barcelona.
Ligue 1 has already offered Barcelona to join the league, in case Catalonia splits from Spain. In 2015, then French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said in an interview that he is willing to offer FC Barcelona a place in Ligue 1. It would be second best option for Barcelona in terms of money and broadcasters.
Geographically, Barca would find it very convenient to play in Ligue 1 as Catalonia shares a border with a France. They won't have to travel much for away games. Monaco, a city-state, already plays in Ligue 1 so including the Blaugrana in the won't be much difficult.
Fans would love to see Barca competing against teams like Paris Saint-Germain, AS Monaco and Olympique Lyon. They are formidable opponents but one must agree that Ligue 1 is not as competitive as compared to the La Liga but given the circumstances this would be in the best option for Barca if they are to leave the Spanish top tier competition.
