Barcelona have issued a statement, defending their decision not to appeal their €30,000 UEFA fine for pro-Catalan flags during the Champions League final.
La Blaugrana’s willingness to accept the punishment was criticised by former President and recent candidate Joan Laporta on Friday, but the club have now made it clear that backing down was the only way they could ensure future sanctions.
The statement, according to Marca, reads: “In light of reports in the media regarding the punishment imposed by UEFA on our club for the display of ‘estelada’ flags during the Champions League final in Berlin, FC Barcelona state:
“When the club became aware of a possible punishment from UEFA, their legal department worked on a case that, once sent to the European body, turned a possible closure of Camp Nou and latent threat to the Club to a minimum financial penalty, as per UEFA regulations, and no future threat.
“FC Barcelona considered this change an important step forward.
“Nonetheless, the club immediately informed UEFA that they did not agree with the punishment, on the grounds of the right to freedom of expression of their members and fans, and wanted the events reviewed in order to prevent the same punishment in the future, since it was considered unjust and disproportionate.
“The club considered it appropriate to continue fighting, in the most appropriate way, and so informed UEFA.
“Before the deadline for filing an appeal, the European body accepted the fact that FC Barcelona did not appeal in exchange for a meeting to reach a diplomatic solution at the highest level, at a date still to be determined.
“FC Barcelona are convinced that they must preserve their rights and the collective rights of their socis and fans in the right way.”
