Barcelona threatens to cancel World Cup champions tribute at Camp Nou

FC Barcelona could deprive its supporters of an eagerly awaited tribute: according to Catalan radio RAC1, the club is considering suspending the ceremony scheduled for Thursday evening at Camp Nou to celebrate its eight players crowned World Cup champions with Spain this summer, during the reception of Athletic Bilbao.

The decision follows incidents that occurred Sunday in Elche, where a Barcelona supporter was reportedly confronted by police after a Catalan flag was removed. Barcelona has not yet made a final decision and must consult with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in the coming hours, as the ceremony is based on collaboration with the federation.

The situation could become more complicated in the stands. The Catalan National Assembly (ANC), an independence organization, has announced the distribution of 10,000 Catalan flags to supporters before kick-off, presenting the initiative as a direct response to the Elche events and a gesture of solidarity with those affected.

The Barcelona leadership thus faces a delicate choice: maintain the tribute in a tense political context, risking fuelling tensions, or cancel it and deprive the public of a legitimate sporting celebration. The RFEF’s position will be decisive in the final decision.