El Clasico : More Than Just a Game

The recent football match between Barcelona and Real Madrid was an enjoyable and thrilling one. In the end, the score was tied at 2-2. Many agreed that this match had been a fantastic one in recent years. Nevertheless, there was also some other activity going on during the match.

The stadium, which seats approximately 90,000 fans, was covered with Catalonian flags precisely at minute 17 and 14 seconds. It was not a coincidence. Instead, it was when Catalonia lost its last independence war against Spain’s monarchy in 1714. 

About a month ago, the Catalonian government decided to pursue their independence. This was followed by loads of support from the people of Catalonia, the Catalans who did so in the stadium.

The biggest issue revolving football fans is this : If Catalonia gets its independence, will Barcelona continue playing in the La Liga (Spanish Premier League) or will they have to play in the new Catalan League? If they were to switch to the other league, this would jeopardize the SPL and cause a disruption in the football world.

On the bigger picture, if Catalonia were to separate from Spain, how would they hold up? It would be bizarre if they were to have a different language, presumably Catalan, as their official tongue. Investors on the other hand, also face a similar issue. They would be unsure if they should invest in Spain or the newly formed Catalonia. This uncertainty is pushing investors even further away.

In a separatist’s point of view, would it be right to seek independence based on the current circumstances? This article on Yahoo doesn’t seem to think so.

Article : http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/oct/05/barcelona-real-madrid-catalan-nationalists

Author: Loh Wil Fred

First year student studying in the Sauder School of Business

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