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Up to 19 Catalan federations could compete outside Spain
Barcelona once again puts sport at the centre of the debate with a proposal that could change the competitive landscape. The Govern de Catalunya is negotiating the creation of an office to support federations that want to compete abroad with their own teams.
A document from Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya identifies up to 19 federations with the potential to make the international leap. They include disciplines with a strong tradition, from football and tennis to less high-profile sports with a historic presence in the territory.
The process does not depend only on Catalonia. Each international federation must accept the admission and a prior agreement with the Consejo Superior de Deportes is needed. The Basque precedent in pelota, with differentiated international participation, reinforces expectations.
The proposal forms part of recent political agreements and has already reached Parliament, where it has reactivated the debate over the place of autonomous-region sport in international competitions.
The possible creation of this office would mark a turning point in the international projection of Catalan sport.
In the medium term, this initiative could give greater visibility to local clubs and disciplines, attracting interest and resources. It can also reinforce the link between sport and community, especially in neighbourhoods with a sporting tradition. If it progresses, the impact will be gradual and will depend on each federation.