Republic of Catalonia?

[Yankees]

We could have a new nation very soon. The referendum passed overwhelmingly, and Catalonia vows to make it results binding within 48 hours.

Still could go either way, so curious about what you guys think. I always find this stuff very exciting, just like Scotland couple of years ago. So what do you think? Good or bad?

Also, what does the potential future of an independent Catalonia look like?

Any chance of a domino effect towards other independent movements?

[Rifat]

I smell a new Soccer team

[Yankees]

Originally Posted by Rifat
I smell a new Soccer team

Remember the Spanish team that won the world cup? majority of the XI were Catalonian, including Xavi, arguably the greatest Spanish midfielder ever.

It's possible Catalon would kick Spain's a$$

[Tausif]

Originally Posted by Yankees
Remember the Spanish team that won the world cup? majority of the XI were Catalonian, including Xavi, arguably the greatest Spanish midfielder ever.

It's possible Catalon would kick Spain's a$$

That was before though. Things have changed since then and Spain is arguably still stronger without Catalonian players.

[brockley]

Same Sex marriage?,liberal rule by Spain?economics of spain?

[Yankees]

Originally Posted by Tausif
That was before though. Things have changed since then and Spain is arguably still stronger without Catalonian players.

Don't forget Victor Valdez to back up Casillas. And also Iniesta would probably pick up Catalonian citizenship since he's been living there practically his whole life.

I don't know if Spain wins here. But either way, it's pretty close even though Catalonia is only 16% of Spain.

[Roy_1]

Time for another tiny a$$ European country, it will be hard to locate it on the map.

[Yankees]

Originally Posted by Roy_1
Time for another tiny a$$ European country, it will be hard to locate it on the map.

lol pretty much. Would still be bigger than Luxembourg.

[Yankees]

If Catalonia does get independence, Basques could be next. Spain could be left with nothing.

[Roey Haque]

Fascinating stuff indeed. What is more surprising is the provision of these referendums. I very well know there are many countries in the world, who would never in a million years keep any possibility of independence referendums for any of their states/territories/provinces.

[Yankees]

Originally Posted by Roey Haque
Fascinating stuff indeed. What is more surprising is the provision of these referendums. I very well know there are many countries in the world, who would never in a million years keep any possibility of independence referendums for any of their states/territories/provinces.

It's either referendums or civil wars. Take your pick.

[Tausif]

Originally Posted by Yankees
Don't forget Victor Valdez to back up Casillas. And also Iniesta would probably pick up Catalonian citizenship since he's been living there practically his whole life.

I don't know if Spain wins here. But either way, it's pretty close even though Catalonia is only 16% of Spain.

Victor Valdes has retired and was way past his good days anyway. And it's Kiko Casilla, backup keeper of Real Madrid not Iker Casillas who has retired from Spain. Iniesta doesn't even get a starting spot at current Spain and even at Barcelona anymore.

It's a pretty good team but Spain easily be a top 5 team without the Catalonian players.

[Yankees]

Originally Posted by Tausif
Victor Valdes has retired and was way past his good days anyway. And it's Kiko Casilla, backup keeper of Real Madrid not Iker Casillas who has retired from Spain. Iniesta doesn't even get a starting spot at current Spain and even at Barcelona anymore.

It's a pretty good team but Spain easily be a top 5 team without the Catalonian players.

I didn't realize Valdes retired, he's only in his mid-thirties and goalies play till they are 40. I meant Kiko, Iker is from Madrid and wouldn't qualify. Iniesta could still get a starting spot at most clubs that's not Barcelona and would walk into the Catalonia XI easily. But you're right, Spain would be better for now.

If you look at the Spain team that won the Euro and WC, that core team was all Catalonian: Xavi, Puyol, Pique, Iniesta, Fabregas, and more. It's pretty incredible and Barcelona's youth development had a lot to do with it.

Which reminds me, what's going to happen to La Liga if Barcelona is no longer a part of Spain? My guess is that they keep the same relationship as England/Wales. El Classico will have a whole new meaning.

[Roy_1]

This entire thread reminded me that I don't give a flying duck about soccer so I should not be here anymore, Catalonia would be another rich and tiny country with a glorious history in soccer, congratulations to them in advance.

[Yankees]

Originally Posted by Roy_1
This entire thread reminded me that I don't give a flying duck about soccer so I should not be here anymore, Catalonia would be another rich and tiny country with a glorious history in soccer, congratulations to them in advance.

lol admittedly there are more important ramifications than soccer, but it is yet another example of what Spain stands to lose out.