Barcelona weighs canceling World Cup trophy ceremony amid rising political unrest
FC Barcelona may drop plans to display the 2026 World Cup trophy after police used force on a fan with an independence flag in Elche, sparking fresh political tension.
After a decisive victory in Elche, FC Barcelona faced criticism when police arrested a minor fan draped in an Estelada flag, a symbol of Catalan independence, using what the club called disproportionate force. The club said it is seeking clarification and may cancel the planned exhibition of the 2026 World Cup trophy at Spotify Camp Nou ahead of the upcoming league match with one outlet Club. Seven Barça players were part of Spain's World Cup-winning squad, and the club intended to honor them, but the controversy threatens to turn the home game into a political demonstration.
Catalan nationalist groups have announced plans to hand out 10,000 Estelada flags and organize protests, while other fan factions have launched a "Enough Repression in the Stands" campaign. The Spanish Football Federation is also monitoring the developments as tensions rise within the club's supporter base.
Why it matters
The dispute could affect how a major football club handles political expression and fan safety during high-profile events.
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