Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insists he cannot imagine
"Spain without Catalonia nor La Liga without Barcelona" but has
admitted concern at the political crisis sweeping Spain amid Catalonia's drive
for independence.
"There
are hypotheticals that I do not consider. I am not considering a Spain without
Catalonia nor La Liga without Barcelona," the Real president for nearly 15
years over two spells told online newspaper El Espanol on Wednesday.
"Obviously
it worries me like everyone else, but I can offer little assistance.
"I
trust the government and the parties that back the constitution that have
united to solve the problem in the best possible way."
Spain
has been shrouded in uncertainty since an independence referendum called by
pro-separatist parties -- and deemed illegal by the Spanish government -- on
October 1 was marred by a violent crackdown on people trying to vote.
Barcelona
is the capital of Catalonia, and the Barcelona Football Club have backed the
region's right to self-determination, but stopped short of supporting
independence.
La
Liga president Javier Tebas announced on Tuesday that he has delayed putting
future international TV rights out to tender due to the uncertainty.
According
to Tebas, the TV rights are likely to lose 20 to 25 percent of their value
should Barca leave La Liga.