If Spain splits, Barca would leave La Liga

LFP president Javier Tebas has said that Barcelona and Espanyol would be unable to play in La Liga if Catalunya becomes independent from Spain.

Parliamentary elections take place in the region on Sunday and the independence process is top of the agenda for many voters.

Former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is a staunch supporter of the campaign for secession from Spain, while players such as Xavi and Gerard Pique believe Catalans should be allowed to vote in a referendum on the matter.

Meanwhile, many Catalan figures have claimed Barca would continue in La Liga even if the region becomes independent, but Tebas tweeted on Monday: "If Spain splits, so too does La Liga. Let's hope we never reach that absurd situation."

Spain's sports minister Miguel Cardenal has previously said that Barcelona would be unable to continue in La Liga if Catalunya becomes independent from Spain.

"FC Barcelona would be unable to carry on competing in the Spanish league," he said last week. "It's absurd to think that if Catalunya becomes independent, the club could ask to be registered by the Spanish federation."

Interviewed during Barca's 4-1 win over Levante by Canal Plus on Sunday, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the Blaugrana would have no involvement in politics ahead of the elections.

"We have always spoken about sport," he said. "We will not campaign. I understand that politicians have to do it, but Barca will show we are neutral."

Barcelona's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (2ndR) is congratulated by teammate Argentinean forward Lionel Messi (R) after scoring. Photo: AFP