It might be non-binding and mostly symbolic, but the fact that 80 per cent of voters in Catalonia plumped for the option of having an independent Catalan state cannot be taken lightly.

Spain's richest region has felt hard done by during the economic crisis but independence - as unlikely at it still seems - would have major ramifications for Spain and Catalonia when it comes to the footballing sphere.

What would happen to FC Barcelona if Catalonia break away? Parts of its identity has been built around its rivalry with Real Madrid and a separate Catalan league would surely not provide the quality of opposition needed to maintain Barca's high standards as city rivals Espanyol are the only team capable of mounting the faintest level of competition.

Of less concern would be the Catalan national team. One already exists and although it is not affiliated to FIFA or UEFA, it does play friendlies a couple of times per year. And if they were to become independent tomorrow, not only would they deprive Spain of key players, but they would have a decent team...