Catalan Independence Referendum

Spain set to impose direct rule in Catalonia as crisis spirals; likely to miff secessionists

Spain is prepared to impose direct rule over Catalonia to block its push for independence, an unprecedented step that risks provoking an angry reaction from secessionists

Spain govt looks to end Catalonia's independence bid: How can Madrid curb region's autonomy?

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy will hold an emergency cabinet meeting on Saturday to decide how his government will intervene in Catalonia to stop its independence drive.

Spain threatens to suspend Catalonia's autonomy unless leader backs down

Spain will seek to suspend Catalonia's autonomy unless the region's leader abandons his push for independence, the country's deputy prime minister said on Wednesday.

Champions League: Pep Guardiola calls Manchester City's win over Napoli 'one of the proudest' moment of his career

Pep Guardiola dedicated the win to the two Catalan separatist leaders detained in Spain

Catalonia's referendum to secede from Spain rekindles dreams of independence in faraway Balkans

Catalonia's drive to secede from Spain is rekindling dreams of independence in ethnic pockets across the Balkans, a potentially dangerous ambition in a region where nationalist violence claimed tens of thousands of lives in the 1990s.

Gerard Pique reveals he planned to quit Spain national team amid Catalonian unrest, but decided against it

Gerard Pique suggested that he would be open to walk away from national team if coach Julen Lopetegui or his team mates felt uncomfortable with his presence

China Open: Rafael Nadal says sport and politics need to be separated after Catalonia clashes

Nadal had spoken earlier of how he was moved close to tears by Sunday's banned referendum and ensuing police crackdown and clashes, with hundreds injured.

La Liga: FC Barcelona, especially Gerard Pique, not likely to relent on Catalan referendum despite jeers

Jeering and repression will not put the question of Catalan independence to rest. Gerard Pique and FC Barcelona will continue to be unrelenting as well, just like they often are on the football pitch.

FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers: Spain's Thiago Alcantara insists team's 'focus' is on Albania clash, not Catalonia

Despite playing a crucial part of the Spain sides that won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, Pique is routinely jeered when representing his country.

La Liga: Barcelona star Gerard Pique anguished by 'worst professional experience' amid Catalonia chaos

Pique, an outspoken defender of the wealthy northeastern region of Spain's right to self-determination, had been able to cast his vote in an independence referendum deemed illegal by Madrid without obstruction on Sunday morning.