La Liga and UEFA Champions League champions FC Barcelona are reportedly under UEFA investigation for Champions League Final banners according to Bleacher Report.
Barcelona may begin their Champions League defence with a fine and partial stadium closure after UEFA reportedly opened proceedings against their supporters’ political use of banners and chants during last month’s final victory over Juventus.
According to Publico (h/t Joaquin Maroto of AS), the Blaugrana could be handed a €50,000 fine and face a “partial closure of a part of the stands at the Camp Nou for the first Champions League match of next season.” This is due to “the airing of independence chants and the massive presence of stellate flags” during Barca’s 3-1 win over Italian champions Juventus in Berlin.
Marca reports the fine could reach €60,000 and that Barca will have the opportunity to stand in front of UEFA’s disciplinary committee on July 23.
This situation arrives on the cusp of Barcelona’s presidential elections, led by current chief Josep Maria Bartomeu and former president Joan Laporta. The latter’s campaign fiercely promotes the city becoming independent from Spain.
“My project is catalanista and committed to the idea of it being a country in every sense,” said Laporta, per Moises Llorens of AS. “If Catalunya becomes independent Barca won’t be lost in the world. We’re committed to the process of Catalunya becoming independent.”
Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao fans booed the Spanish national anthem during the Copa Del Rey final and that may also come under investigation.
“The Government condemns the attacks against symbols that represent Spaniards and the democracy and and harmony they all share,” read an official statement, reported Sport. This issue is set to be discussed at the next National Commission Against Violence in Sport meeting, where the public display of pro-Catalan and pro-Basque values will be an important subject.
Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League 2015 with goals from Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Neymar over the Serie A champions Juventus.
A potential fine and partial stadium closure isn’t going to have any serious effects in the long run. That kind of cash won’t alter the side’s plans for the January 2016 transfer window—when their transfer ban lifts—nor will the potential stand closure impact the Camp Nou atmosphere. Barca will be expected to roll on regardless.