MADRID (AP) — The president of La Liga says Catalan clubs like Barcelona and Espanyol would be excluded from the country’s top soccer league if the region succeeds in its bid for independence from Spain.

Separatist sentiment has surged in Catalonia in recent years following Spain’s refusal to give the region more autonomy and fiscal powers.

La Liga President Javier Tebas says the country’s sports law entitles only one non-Spanish territory — Andorra — to legally participate in the league or other official competitions.

Tebas adds that for clubs from an independent Catalonia to be included in La Liga would require a “modification” of the law that would have to be approved by parliament.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.