One nation, two (or more) selections

The recent visit of the Roja to Catalonia was not a publicity success, to put it mildly. Despite the efforts of the Catalan and Spanish governments, the federative world, and the platforms of Spanish activism, the very sad exhibition of fascist and xenophobic nationalism in the stands of the Cornellà stadium made it clear that the Spanish team, in Catalonia, runs the serious risk of being turned into an icon of the far-right. From a marketing point of view, it is a defeat for the reencuentro that the PSOE and PSC represent. They had a fabulous toy in their hands: a young, talented team full of Catalans sheltered by common symbolism and without competition (because the law prohibits Catalonia from competing officially, and Catalan athletes risk severe sanctions if they refuse to represent the Spanish team). But now, the Roja can go from being a symbol of cool Spanish nationalism to a refuge for torrentismo.States with conflicting identities have understood the usefulness of sport. The efforts that Spain dedicates to it, as a safe haven for patriotism, demonstrate that in Madrid they know that real power does not consist only of money, army, and Penal Code; it is also expressed in visibility and sentiment. In Catalonia, surprisingly, no Catalan party has the issue of sports teams at the top of its priority list, which is perhaps the only loophole that can allow us to exist nationally and be recognized internationally, basic conditions for everything else to come. Instead, we have to settle for playing a friendly against Palestine, with a spotless atmosphere, that's true; but without competitive value, without our stars on the field, and with the suspicion of the stagnant Catalan federative world.While Junts and ERC have the power to influence the socialists, they should play this card strongly, which is the authentic burden of proof of the State's plurality. Sharing competencies and resources is very well, but the true answer to identity diversity is to share, also, symbolic presence. It is very difficult, from the outset, for the PSOE to accept this (as much as amnesty, perhaps). But I would say that Pedro Sánchez is glimpsing that his survival against the PP-Vox bloc depends on a lasting understanding with the defenders of plurinationality.There are ways to tackle the issue avoiding fractures or impossible dilemmas: to begin with, for example, Catalonia could compete in European championships, and integrate into the Spanish team in world or Olympic competitions. Or it could have its own teams in sports with more roots and tradition, such as rugby, hockey, and water polo. I'm just speculating; I don't know enough to say which is the best solution. But I believe that if politicians intend to represent the broad majority of the Catalan population, a hybrid solution of this kind must be reached.We are a country that, despite the recent emergence of the homegrown far-right, has shown great generosity and great flexibility in managing its own diversity. Therefore, those of us who feel nationally Catalan deserve to exist politically – and, therefore, sportingly –. We think that in the next football World Cup, if Spain wins, there will be people celebrating in the streets of Barcelona... but there will also be people celebrating if Argentina wins, or Morocco wins. And the world won't end, because diverse Catalonia is that. But, if it turns out that in Catalonia everyone celebrates their goals except the Catalans, what the hell kind of diversity is that?