Barcelona and Espanyol will not be allowed to play in La Liga if Catalonia breaks from Spain to become an independent country, according to Spain FA president Javier Tebas.


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                                             Real Madrid 3 - 4 Barcelona
The Catalonia region has fought for autonomy from Spain for a long time and an independence referendum is set to take place on November 9, which could see Barca and rivals Espanyol booted out of La Liga if voters opt to leave the country.
"If Catalonia became independent, taking into consideration the Sports Law that would be enforced by the rest of Spain, Barcelona wouldn't be allowed to play." Tebas said.
The current La Liga rules only allow teams from one non-Spanish territory - the region Andorra - to compete in the league and FC Andorra are already playing in the Spanish league system.



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       Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid
However, recognising that the loss of Barcelona would damage the league's competitiveness and reputation, Tebas claimed the law would need to modified for Barca to continue to play in the top division.
"There would have to be a change in the law made in the Spanish parliament. Clearly if it happened, then it would be detrimental for Spanish football to lose Barça who are an historic club."
"I can’t imagine the LFP without Barça. In the same way as I can’t imagine Catalonia without Spain, I can’t see La Liga without Barça."
"Also if it did happen what would you call the league: the Spanish League or the Iberian League?"