barça

Politics

The massive presence of Catalan independence flags at FC Barcelona’s stadium annoys Spanish nationalists

October 9, 2012 12:54 AM | CNA

The Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister, José Manuel García-Margallo, states that the claim for Catalonia’s independence during the last FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid Clásico football game “damages Spain’s brand”. On the contrary, the Catalan President, Artur Mas, praised the demonstration for its peaceful and democratic nature, and for “projecting our identity to the world”. Furthermore, the Spokesperson for the Catalan Government, Francesc Homs, considered García-Margallo’s statements to be “undemocratic” for not accepting “the free and democratic expression of the people at Camp Nou”. Thousands of Catalan independence flags were shown at the match – many more than in any other game ever. Furthermore, on several occasions, a large part of the stadium shouted pro-independence chants.

Sports

Barça’s new basketball arena to be built by 2020

September 27, 2012 09:14 PM | Jordi Clos

FC Barcelona’s director for economic affairs, Jordi Moix, and the director responsible for Barça Regal, Joan Bladé, announced that the Catalan sports club will build a new Palau Blaugrana within the next eight years. The construction of the new arena, which is tied to the referendum on the Camp Nou stadium, is subject to FC Barcelona's debt levels. The location of the new arena has not been announced.