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A question of identity for Athletic Bilbao

For much of their 125-year history, Athletic Bilbao have been recognised for their unique player policy.

Known as a philosophy by those connected to the club, it dictates that Athletic only use players who have been born or brought up in what is defined as the Basque Country, a region of northern Spain and across the border in France of three million inhabitants that shares linguistic, historical and cultural ties.

It has served them well: behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, they are Spain’s third most successful club in terms of trophies won, and remain the only team other than those two never to have played outside the country’s top flight. 

Towards the end of a lengthy general assembly in October, however, a group of socios (club members) asked whether the interpretation of Athletic’s “philosophy” should be extended to allow the children and grandchildren of Basque people living abroad to play for the club.

Those who are in favour of a change point out the Basque Country’s low birth rate compared to the rest of Europe. The Basque Country in Spain had a birth rate of 6.2 (births per 1,000 inhabitants) for 2022 according to the statistics office Eustat, the lowest since 1975, and lower than Spain’s rate of 6.9 and the European Union’s 8.7. 

The official response from Athletic to those who raised the issue at the general assembly was clear. President Jon Uriarte told a press conference afterwards that none of the three candidates who had run for the position last year had campaigned to change the philosophy and that fans who wanted to open a debate could do so through the appropriate mechanisms. Voices from within the club do not think the desire for change is widespread within Athletic’s fanbase.

Even so, some fans think Athletic’s philosophy in its present form is limiting. The question is how many are willing to discuss something which is such a significant part of the club’s identity.

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