MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Spain will oppose by ‘all legal means’ Gibraltar’s full membership of UEFA
Crest of Gibraltar Football Association founded in 1895 The Spanish Government has made clear to Alfred Bosch, the speaker of Esquerra Republicana Catalonia (ERC) in Congress that it will oppose “by all legal means” Gibraltar’s admission as a full member of UEFA. Madrid said UEFA “should not be used for political purposes”.
In reply to Mr Bosch, calling for Spanish central government’s explanations for their refusal to accept Gibraltar as a member of UEFA, Madrid argues that the decade long claim from Gibraltar’s soccer federation to join the Championship is part the broader policy of trying to ‘grow’ Gibraltar international presence in various forums, all separate from the UK.
“This is something that Spain cannot accept,” says the Spanish executive.
Madrid responded to ERC unsuccessful attempts for international recognition of its sports bodies, by saying that UEFA “should not be used for political purposes”.
The ERC, (Republican Left of Catalonia) is a left wing political party in Spain and is the main sponsor of the independence movement from France and Spain in the territories known among Catalan nationalists as “Paisos Catalans”.
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Read all commentsMadrid said UEFA “should not be used for political purposes”
Jan 30th, 2013 - 08:02 am 0................which is exactly what Madrid is doing in relation to this matter
Would be interesting if Gibraltar ever had to play Spain in qualifiers. Doubtless kick-off would be delayed as the Gibraltar team will get held up by Spanish officials trying to slow their journey to the pitch.
Jan 30th, 2013 - 08:16 am 0http://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/2011/07/30/outrage-as-scandalous-incident-sees-kids-football-team-abused-at-tournament/
Jan 30th, 2013 - 08:57 am 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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