Barcelona and Lionel Messi could play in the English league if Catalunya gains independence from Spain - Sports minister says

Ahead of a very important referendum set to be staged on Sunday which will give the right to Catalunya to be recognised as a sovereign nation independent of Spain, the region's Sports minister has stated that Barcelona, along with Girona and Espanyol could join the English premier league, Italian league or start up their own league if they gain independence from Spain just the same way Welsh and Monaco clubs are allowed to play in the Epl and French league respectively.

Catalans, Barca player, Gerard Pique a very vocal member, have decided to stage the referendum this weekend even though the Spanish government has seized ballot boxes, claimed the voting will never happen and called the process  'Illegal'. 

Gerard Figueras, the Catalunya sports minister,  believes that there are plenty of decisions to make when they gain independence from Spain

"Elite clubs would choose between challenging in a Catalan league or in a foreign league," Figueras told Goal.com

"In the case of independence, Catalan teams in La Liga – Barcelona, Espanyol and Girona – will have to decide where they want to play: in the Spanish league or a neighbouring country like Italy, France or the Premier League."

“Now in Spain there teams from other countries who play in national leagues: clubs from Andorra in football and basketball. Monaco play in France, in England Welsh clubs. I don't think that UEFA has anything against seeing another club play in a different league from their country.”

The leadership of Spain's La Liga reacting to Figueras' statement has warned the Catalans that if they succeed with their independence agitation they won't be able to play in the La Liga again, but he hopes it doesn't come to that.

Liga president Javier Tebas said: “In sport, it isn't a la carte and things must be clearly stated. It isn't easy to have an agreement and study Spanish legislation but if they [the Catalan clubs] do get that, then they will not be able to play in Spain's La Liga, but I hope it doesn't come to that."