A Catalan club forced to play without the Estelada
The Spanish Basketball Federation vetoes the Sol Gironès Bisbal jersey design.
La Bisbal de EmpordàThe Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) will not allow Sol Gironès Bisbal Baloncesto to play in the Second FEB, the third national division, wearing its usual jersey, as it featured an estelada on the front. "We don't understand this decision to force us to change the design of a jersey we've been wearing for eight years, the last five in national categories. All of the club's teams wear it. We've never had any problems on any court or in any arena. We've played in many places across Spain and have always been valued and respected for our values," Joan told ARA.
"We play basketball, but we also play language, country, and sport. The design of our jersey is a symbol of our club's identity, but the FEB clings to an anti-violence regulation of the sports law where the estelada is considered a violent symbol. We don't understand it. Besides, the estelada appears in our colors, so."
"They halted the production of our jersey during the month of July, but we don't want to get into a controversy with the Spanish Federation. When we explained the situation to them, the foreign players who came didn't understand a thing. They were amazed that they made us remove the star from a jersey," explains Ferrer.
The FEB is responsible for validating the shirt designs of clubs participating in national competitions, and last season it raised concerns about an Estelada flag that appeared on the back, but the Baix Empordà club was able to keep the one that appeared on the front. "We don't just have to look at the FEB, but there are Catalan political parties that are partners of the Spanish government and have passed or overturned laws that were in their favor. They haven't been able to change the law against violence, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance in sport. Catalan representatives leave our clubs without a defense."
"We're now focused on getting off to a good start to the season, but we'll calmly and with time to spare. We'll speak calmly with whoever is necessary to explain our vision and find solutions. We'll assess how to resolve this situation and recover a jersey we love so much," says Ferrer. The youth teams, which compete under the umbrella of the Catalan Basketball Federation (FCBQ), will continue to wear the jersey with the Estelada. Merchandise with the Estelada will also be available for sale.
A deep-rooted project
Despite having fewer resources than other rivals in the division, Sol Gironès Bisbal has many sporting hopes for this season. Éric Surís, a highly regarded coach, is in charge of leading a project that has managed to inspire many people. "Playing at home is incredible because the stands are always full. They really cheer us on and give us an extra boost of energy," acknowledges Isaac Valera, who combines his work as a basketball player with his job as a local police officer. "Everyone in the town knows me," he confesses.
The club has a deep-rooted social fabric. "There are many people who work hard and selflessly to help the club thrive. One of the values we promote is effort, trying to do things to the highest possible standard," says Simón García, one of the youth team coaches at CE Bisbal Baloncesto.