What Happens If Barça Athletic Get Promoted to LaLiga? FC Barcelona’s reserve team, Barça Athletic (also known as Barcelona B), plays a crucial role in developing young talent for the first team. Currently competing in Primera Federación (Spain’s third tier), the team serves as a bridge between La Masia academy and the senior squad.
But what if Barça Athletic were to earn promotion to LaLiga? While exciting in theory, this scenario presents unique challenges due to Spanish football regulations. This article explores the implications, rules, and potential outcomes if Barça Athletic were to climb into Spain’s top division.
Table of Contents
Can Barça Athletic Legally Play in LaLiga?
Spanish Football Federation Rules
In Spain, reserve teams cannot compete in the same division as their parent club. This means:
- If FC Barcelona’s first team is in LaLiga, Barça Athletic cannot be promoted to the same league.
- The highest they can currently reach is Segunda División (LaLiga Hypermotion).
What Happens If They Finish in a Promotion Spot?
- If Barça Athletic earns a top-two finish in Primera Federación (or wins promotion playoffs), they would still be ineligible for LaLiga promotion.
- Instead, the next eligible team would take their place.
Historical Precedent: Barcelona B in Segunda División
Barça Athletic has previously competed in Segunda División, most recently in the 2020-21 season before being relegated. Their presence in the second tier has helped develop players like:
- Gavi
- Pedri (before his first-team signing)
- Ronald Araújo
However, even if they return to Segunda, they cannot face FC Barcelona’s senior team in league play.
Hypothetical Scenario: What If the Rules Changed?
If Spanish football regulations were ever amended to allow reserve teams in LaLiga, several key issues would arise:
1. Conflict of Interest
- Same-Ownership Restrictions: UEFA and RFEF prohibit two teams under the same ownership from competing in the same league to prevent match-fixing risks.
- Player Movement: Would players be allowed to switch between teams mid-season?
2. Fixture Complications
- The first team and reserve team could not play each other, creating scheduling difficulties.
- Barça Athletic would likely have to play home games at a different stadium to avoid confusion.
3. Impact on Youth Development
- Pros: More competitive experience for young players against top-tier opponents.
- Cons: Less incentive for clubs to loan out talents, potentially stunting growth.
Comparison to Other Leagues
Spain’s rules differ from other European systems:
| Country | Reserve Team Policy |
|---|---|
| Germany | Reserve teams can play up to 3. Liga (third tier) |
| England | No reserve teams in the EFL pyramid (only U21 leagues) |
| Netherlands | Jong Ajax plays in Eerste Divisie (second tier) |
Spain’s stricter approach ensures senior clubs maintain dominance over their reserves.
What’s the Highest Barça Athletic Can Achieve?
Under current rules:
✅ Can compete in Segunda División (second tier)
❌ Cannot promote to LaLiga
❌ Cannot play in Copa del Rey
Their primary purpose remains player development, not competing directly against the first team.
FAQs: Barça Athletic Promotion Questions
1. Has any reserve team played in LaLiga before?
No. Spain’s rules have always prevented reserve teams from entering the top flight.
2. Could Barça Athletic become an independent club?
In theory, yes—but it would require separate ownership, defeating its purpose as a feeder team.
3. What happens if Barça gets relegated and Barça Athletic promotes?
If the first team drops to Segunda, the reserve team must drop to Primera Federación to avoid sharing a division.
4. Do Barça Athletic players get first-team opportunities?
Yes—strong performers often train with the senior squad or earn call-ups (e.g., Lamine Yamal, Fermín López).
5. Why can’t reserve teams face their parent club?
To prevent tactical collusion or unfair advantages in competitive matches.
6. Could RFEF ever change the rules?
Unlikely. The policy protects the integrity of the league system.
Conclusion
While Barça Athletic earning promotion to LaLiga is impossible under current regulations, their presence in Segunda División remains valuable for nurturing future stars. The team’s role is strictly developmental, ensuring a pipeline of talent for FC Barcelona without competing directly against them.
