Sep 9, 2017 @SoccerSXN This could mean the death of El Classico Reason for this ofc being the Catalan Independence movement. Now Fifa does have rules to allow clubs from smaller neighboring countries to have clubs participate in league play from bigger countries, but only one other country is allowed, and Spain currently accommodates teams from Andorra. Fifa could (and likely will, as it will mean massive losses if they don't) make an exemption but at the same time they don't really have to. Currently the Catalan independence movement is being restricted (illegally) by the Spanish Royalty. Illegally because the referendum has UN support, although it's unclear if, when and how they will intervene. A referendum at this point would guarantee independence and Spain fears that they will lose a massive part of their economy. They may also fear that this might incite other separatist regions (like the Basque country) to do the same .The footballing implications of this are that Catalan teams by FIFA law would no longer be allowed to play in Spanish league play. The teams in the Primera Division that would be affected by this are only Barcelona and Espanyol (derby plays today btw) but Barcelona is one of European football's superpowers, and Espanyol is a consistent top 7 finisher. The Quality and appeal of the league will drop. And a large part of TV viewership and sponsorship rights will be lost. This also possibly means a Catalan National team could be in the works. This means a few of the Spanish national players will be given the option to switch. The Notable Catalans playing for spain are: Kiko Casilla (ironically) Pique Bartra Alba Busquets Fabregas Among other like Roberto who hardly get spain callups. So how do you guys think this independence movement will pan out. How do you think football will be affected and how much would the spain national team possibly be affected given that they'd only possibly lose 3 starters. Spain might resort to military action at this point to supress the movement.
Sep 9, 2017 This would really s---. I'm sure FIFA would make an exception though. I mean the decline in viewership would lose these soccer organizations tons of money.
Sep 9, 2017 Lol Come on guys..fifa will break every rule in the book and make rules just to keep barca and madrid playing. They make billions each year playing each others. It wont stop
