Mes que une Liga? Catalan vote could see Barca in French league

Barcelona City mayor Javier Trias says that the European giants could be travelling north for every domestic fixture.

IF CATALAN VOTERS back an independence drive in Sunday’s regional election then Barcelona football club may consider its options – including competing in the French league, according to city mayor Javier Trias.

Trias, who backs secession by the eastern region from crisis-hit Spain, said Saturday that the four-times European champions could continue to play on in the Spanish league or “perhaps, in the French league.”

“We do not have the possibility of a competitive league” for Catalonia, population just over seven million, said Trias.

“There would be very few teams and we would have to join another league – we could adhere to the Spanish league or perhaps the French league,” he told AFP.

Asked if the club itself had a political facet Trias noted that that had been more the case in previous years.

“Years back, in the time of the (Franco) dictatorship, the club was a reference point for everyone in Catalonia and it was said that Barca was more than a club.”

He also noted that the club “represent a particular style and way of doing things which make us proud.”