FC Barcelona cancel Spain’s World Cup tribute over Catalan flag controversy

FC Barcelona has canceled a planned tribute to its Spanish World Cup winners ahead of Thursday’s home LaLiga opener amid a row over the display of Catalan independence flags. Instead of celebrating the eight world champions, the evening at the Camp Nou unfolded against the backdrop of a banner campaign for independence.

The ceremony was planned before the home meeting with the Athletic Club. Barcelona president Joan Laporta said before the game that the club decided not to host the game because the atmosphere around the game was not suitable.

“The ceremony to honor the world champions will not take place. It will not take place because it is not held in the most appropriate context. The Royal Spanish Football Federation understands the decision,” said Laporta.

“Football should be used to unify, not to create certain confrontations. Estelada represents the thinking of many Bara and Catalan supporters. It is part of freedom of expression.”

The decision followed an incident before Barcelona’s previous league game in Elche, where a fan had an Estela flag confiscated by police and was later involved in a confrontation with officers. The club condemned what it saw as an excessive use of force, saying the flag itself should not be seen as inciting hatred or violence.

WHY BARCELONA WON THE HONOR

Instead, the Estelada, the flag associated with Catalan independence, became the dominant visual at the Camp Nou. The local organization distributed around 10,000 flags ahead of the Athletic Club match, with supporters raising them during the Barcelona anthem. Larger flags and banners were also flown inside the stadium, while thousands of people reportedly joined the march around the ground.

Laporta said that Barcelona does not directly organize the exhibition, but defends the right of supporters to use the symbol.

“We condemn and reject the unreasonable actions of the national police who attacked Bara fans for wearing the Estela before the Elche match,” he said. “We demand that this conduct, once the facts are confirmed, be punished with appropriate punishment and sanctions.”

The cancellation was particularly notable as other Spanish clubs honored members of the World Cup-winning team during their opening home games. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and the World Cup trophy were also present at some of these ceremonies.

Barcelona had eight players from the winning squad, more than any other club. Joan Garca, Eric Garca, Pedri, Pau Cubars, Gavi, Rodri, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal were originally to be recognized.

BARCELONA WIN AGAIN, NOW TURN TO RAYO

Despite the unusual backdrop, Barcelona continued their strong start to the new LaLiga season with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club at Camp Nou. Raphinha opened the scoring before Fermin López added a second in the 82nd minute, while Rodri made his competitive debut for the club.

The result followed Barcelona’s 5-0 win away at Elche in their opening league game and gave Hans Flick six points from his first two games.

Barcelona’s next game in LaLiga is at home to Rayo Vallecano on August 31, before facing Valencia on September 6.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

28 Aug 2026 08:06 IST