Spanish FA Considering El Clasico In Neutral Stadium

Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub EditorJoseph GolderAgencyGolder’s News And Sport

The Spanish Royal Federation of Football are considering changing the venue of the upcoming El Clasico from the Nou Camp to a neutral ground after it was rearranged.

Spanish media report news of possible protests at the Nou Camp on 18th December – the same day ‘El Clasico’ is set to take place – could force the footballing authorities to move the venue.

The huge clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid was initially set to take place on 26th October in Barcelona but was moved to 18th December.

The change came amidst political unrest in the autonomous community of Catalonia located in northeastern Spain after the Spanish Supreme Court sentenced nine Catalan separatist leaders to between nine and 13 years in prison.

Local media report a pro-independent group called ‘Tsunami Democratic’ have now called for any Catalonian-independence supporters to meet at the club’s stadium to protest just hours before the rearranged match is set to start through their social media platform.

Local media report the RFEF are set to meet today (Wednesday) to discuss the possiblity of changing the venue to a neutral ground to avoid any possible incidents as ‘Tsunami Democratic’ reportedly stated they intend to invade the pitch out of protest.

According to article 42.3 written in the RFEF bylaws, the organisation has the competence to “change the venue” in cases that include “forces outside of their hands or not having the competent authorities at their dispositon”.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have not been called to attend the RFEF’s meeting today.

Local media report in order for the RFEF to have a strong case to move the venue, they would need a report from the Barcelona local government warning of possible risks and public disorder that could result from the match being played in Barcelona.

It is unclear if the Barcelona local government would agree or disagree with the venue change.

Real Madrid are level with Barcelona on 34 points but the Catalan side sit top of La Liga on goal difference.

It is unclear if the RFEF has a deadline to make the decision.

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