Barcelona may consider LaLiga exit, says club boss Josep Maria Bartomeu

Barcelona may leave LaLiga if Catalonia gains independence, club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed the club would have to discuss the possibility of leaving LaLiga if Catalonia gained independence from Spain.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu attends a news conference at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain on October 2, 2017. (REUTERS)

A Catalan independence referendum, which has been deemed illegal, was marred by violence on Sunday.

⚽️ The Camp Nou as you have never seen it before during a Barça match pic.twitter.com/OJ3j5QzsTQ

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 2, 2017

Bartomeu said Barca’s future in LaLiga would need to be discussed if Catalonia ever gained independence.

“This situation does not exist so far,” he said on Monday.

“But with regards to things that can happen in the future, it is something that the board of directors would discuss. It would be something to analyse calmly.

“If we discuss the subject intensely then obviously we will find the best solution. But if this [independence] happens, the board of directors will see.”

Barcelona are 24-time LaLiga champions, trailing only rivals Real Madrid (33).