LaLiga delays rights talks amid Catalonia crisis

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has said the organisation which oversees the top two divisions of Spanish club football has delayed talks over its next set of international broadcast rights amid the uncertainty caused by Catalonia’s proposed split from Spain.

Tensions remain high between the Spanish government and the region of Catalonia following the banned referendum which took place on October 1. Tebas (pictured) has repeatedly declared his opposition to Catalonia’s drive for independence and has now outlined the impact of the current situation on LaLiga’s business dealings.

“When you are selling something you need to know it's the right moment and we decided now is not the moment to sell our television rights,” Tebas said, according to the Reuters news agency.

“We are not just selling them in Spain and Europe – we have to think about India, Singapore, Turkey and other countries, so we've delayed it by a few weeks. It might be better in the long run as now is not a good time.”

Tebas has previously said a declaration of independence from Catalonia would result in the expulsion of Barcelona from LaLiga, along with fellow Catalan top-tier clubs Espanyol and Girona.

“LaLiga would lose around 20 per cent of its income if Real Madrid or Barcelona left,” he added. “We're talking about a problem that could have a huge impact on our competition, even though I don't think (Catalonia splitting from Spain) will occur.”