The most watched club game in the world, Barça-Real, initially scheduled for Saturday, is postponed because of protests that have been stirring Catalonia for more than a week. The Spanish Football Federation announced Wednesday the new date: the match will be played on December 18th.
The decision was made "after analyzing in recent days the proposals of the two clubs", who have both proposed this date, said the federation in a statement. Rare but not new, the federation decided last week to adjourn the meeting scheduled on October 26 at Camp Nou in Barcelona, alleging "exceptional reasons". A large demonstration is planned that day in the Catalan capital by pro-independence organizations that protest against the heavy condemnation of separatist leaders.
650 million viewers around the world
About 600 people were injured in Catalonia in the violent clashes following demonstrations since 14 October. La Liga had initially proposed to play the match in Madrid, and organize the return match in Barcelona in March, but both clubs refused. She then proposed December 4 as a new date for the meeting to avoid eclipsing King Cup matches scheduled for the 18th.
The "clasico" Barça-Real brings together around 650 million viewers around the world for each edition, according to La Liga figures.