Girona, Spain – Lluc Salellas, the mayor of Girona, has stated he would not support or propose hosting the Spanish national football team in his city. The declaration, made to Girona Media, comes as the city prepares to host matches in La Liga and continues to develop its profile as a sporting destination. Salellas indicated he would, however, readily facilitate a visit from the Catalan national team.
“I have never supported the Spanish national team in any sport as I do not consider it to be my nation, and therefore I would not defend or propose that the Spanish national football team come to play in Girona,” Salellas clarified, according to reports from Diari de Girona on March 30, 2026. The comments have quickly circulated on social media, sparking debate about regional identity and sporting loyalties.
The mayor’s stance isn’t modern. In the summer of 2024, Salellas declined to authorize the installation of a giant screen in Girona to broadcast the Eurocopa final between Spain and England. At the time, he told Catalunya Ràdio that “watching a football match is one thing, and organizing an event with a clear connotation of banal nationalism is another.” This latest statement reinforces his previously expressed views on the relationship between sport and national identity.
Salellas similarly addressed the city’s spending priorities, stating that the municipal government will not allocate funds to erect a large screen for broadcasting Spanish national team matches. He reasoned that these games are typically shown on open television channels, making them accessible to viewers at home. This decision aligns with his broader approach to public spending and his focus on prioritizing local interests.
Lluc Salellas i Vilar, born December 31, 1984, has served as the mayor of Girona since June 17, 2023. His political career began with involvement in the Candidatura d’Unitat Popular (CUP), and he previously served as a city councilor in Girona from 2015. According to his Wikipedia profile, Salellas holds degrees in Journalism and Political Science from Pompeu Fabra University, and also studied nations and nationalism at the University of Edinburgh. His family background includes a father and brother who are both lawyers, with his brother Benet Salellas also having served in the Parliament of Catalonia.
The decision to prioritize the Catalan national team over the Spanish team reflects a broader sentiment within Catalonia regarding regional identity and autonomy. Catalonia has a strong sense of cultural and national distinctiveness, and support for the Catalan national team is often seen as an expression of this identity. The Catalan team, while not a FIFA-recognized national team, competes in international friendly matches and represents the region in various sporting events.
This isn’t simply a matter of football; it’s a statement about political and cultural allegiance. Salellas’s position underscores the complex relationship between sport, politics, and regional identity in Catalonia. The move is likely to resonate with supporters of Catalan independence and those who prioritize regional interests over national ones.
The city of Girona has been steadily growing in prominence as a sporting hub. It is home to Girona FC, a La Liga club that has gained international attention in recent years. The club’s success and the city’s growing reputation as a tourist destination have contributed to its increasing visibility on the sporting map. However, Salellas’s decision suggests that the city will prioritize events and teams that align with its regional identity and values.
The mayor’s comments come at a time of heightened political awareness in Catalonia. The region has a long history of seeking greater autonomy from Spain, and the issue of independence remains a contentious topic. Salellas’s stance on the Spanish national team is likely to be seen as a symbolic gesture of support for Catalan identity and self-determination.
While the Spanish national team will not be welcomed in Girona under Salellas’s leadership, the city remains open to hosting other sporting events and teams. Girona’s infrastructure and growing reputation as a sporting destination make it an attractive location for a variety of events. The city will likely continue to pursue opportunities that align with its economic and cultural goals.
The next confirmed sporting event in Girona is a La Liga match featuring Girona FC against Real Betis on April 6, 2026, at the Estadi Montilivi. Fans can uncover the latest updates and ticket information on the official Girona FC website. The ongoing La Liga season will continue to provide opportunities for the city to showcase its sporting facilities and attract visitors from around the world.
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