Barcelona won't appeal UEFA sanctions over independence flags

FC Barcelona have decided against appeal the fine of 30,000 euros ($33,000) that UEFA imposed after the club failed to keep its fans from flying a Catalan independence flag at the European Champions League final in Berlin on June 6, officials from the Catalan club said.

Sections of Barcelona stands raised the independence flags for the autonomous Spanish region of Catalonia at the Olympiastadion Berlin during the Champions League final against Juventus, which ended with a 3-1 win for Barcelona, Efe reported.

The club's vice president Carles Vilarrubi confirmed to Radio Catalonia on Thursday that the club would appeal the decision, although it seems that the club has opted to pay the fine.

Barcelona club has always defended the freedom of expressions for its team members and fans, while there is a chance that the club will try to communicate with UEFA to reduce the fine.

UEFA opened an investigation last month against Barcelona, according to a report signed by member of UEFA's disciplinary committee team, Ukrainian attorney Anna Bordiugova, who prepared the report based on watching the match on television, while the UEFA's representative at the stadium witnessed no wrongdoings.