MADRID (Reuters) – Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed on Saturday the club wishes to continue playing in La Liga even if Catalonia is granted independence from Spain.
The Spanish government is holding a special cabinet meeting to deal with the crisis after Catalonia’s president Carles Puigdemont wrote Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy a letter threatening a formal declaration of independence.
Bartomeu previously said the club members would be able to help decide Barcelona’s future but speaking at the annual general meeting, the president was clear about his preferred option.
"You can be sure that this board will always act in the club’s defense,” said Bartomeu. "We will never put the club nor its presence in any competition at risk. That’s why, to all the socios (members), I say that we want to continue playing in La Liga and, as of today, our participation in La Liga is guaranteed.
 "It’s mutually beneficial for La Liga and Barcelona for that link to continue.” Bartomeu reiterated the club’s call for "dialogue, respect and sport”, a phrase which they displayed on a giant banner before their Champions League victory over Olympiakos on Wednesday.