Karim Benzema wants Barcelona to stay in La Liga
French and Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has come out in support of Barcelona staying in La Liga, irrelevant of the decision taken on Catalan independence. The currently autonomous region is due to have its independence voted upon in a referendum on November 22.
More from La Liga
- USMNT rumors: Vazquez to Monchengladbach, Balogun to Milan, Dest to stay
- USMNT rumors: Pulisic to Milan, Pepi to Feyenoord, de la Fuente to Standard
- USMNT news: McKennie’s valuation, Tillman update, Weah to Atletico
- USMNT rumors: Dest to Besiktas, Adams to Brighton, Weah to Juventus
- USMNT news: Marsch to Monaco, Pepi bid rejected, La Liga roundup
The sporting ramifications of this vote appear to be very significant, as the President of the Liga del Futbol Profesional has already explained. Javier Tebas has stated to Spanish radio station Onda Cero that “”Barcelona and Espanyol would not play in the Spanish League if Catalonia becomes independent for the following reason: the Sports Act has an additional provision that only one non-Spanish state can play in La Liga or official Spanish competitions, and that is Andorra.”
The decision would be devastating for La Liga, with Barcelona one of the most decorated teams in Spanish and also European soccer history. Their rivalry with Real Madrid draws a huge worldwide audience and the clashes, labelled El Clasico, are often the highlights of the season.
It is great to see a Real Madrid player, essentially a rival, come out in support of Barcelona staying in La Liga.
“We need Barcelona to stay in the league,” Benzema said in a press conference. “That’s what football is all about – two great teams like Madrid and Barca playing against each other. If they need to leave La Liga then that would be a problem so I hope things stay as they are.”
Benzema’s opinion will be supported by the majority of soccer fans around the world, as Barcelona are an iconic club who belong in one of the best leagues in the world. Benzema’s side, Real Madrid, are due to meet rivals Barcelona for the first time this season in two weeks time.
The fixture corresponds to the time when Luis Suarez’ ban for biting an opponent will have elapsed, adding an extra spice to an already mouth-watering match.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26