Catalunya cleared for internationals

Catalunya have been cleared to play in international competition – provided there is no risk of them having to face Spain.

The Catalunyan parliament passed an article of law over 10 years ago enabling teams from the region to participate in global events.

That ruling was challenged by the Spanish state but the Constitutional Court has now ruled in favour of Catalunya.

However, it has been decreed that they can only compete ‘whenever there are no Spanish federations’ involved, so as there will be no risk of ‘hindering or disturbing the powers of the State in the coordination and international representation of the sport (in question)’.

Catalunya has had a football team since 1904 and are currently coached by Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff. Their most recent outing was a 0-0 draw with Tunisia at the Olimpic Lluis Companys in December.