Lost for Words Spain's Anthem

Spanish sports stars have long suffered the indignity of having to stare at their feet as they hum along to the national anthem before international matches. The Spanish Marcha Real (Royal March) has had no lyrics since the death of the dictator General Franco in 1975.

But the wait for something to sing along to will soon be over. The Spanish Olympic committee has agreed a date to present the new lyrics, in agreement with the General Society of Authors and Writers. The committee launched a competition in July as part of Madrid's bid to host the 2016 Games. The final entry date is October 26, after which academics from across the political spectrum will have until December 19 to decide on the words, which will then be voted on by parliament.

Part of the problem in choosing suitable lyrics is that Spain's political and regional divisions mean that settling on a common national feeling is nigh on impossible. Basque and Catalan nationalists avoid the word Spain whenever possible, preferring to talk of "the state". They are likely to interpret any lyrics that speak of Spain as a single entity as unbearably patriotic. Conservatives will reject any mention of the "historical nationalities" to which some of Spain's regions believe they belong.

The left wing singer-songwriter Joaquín Sabina has taken up the challenge, but his lyrics are unlikely to find broad support: "Citizens/ neither heroes nor villains/ sons of yesterday/ there's lots to do". While this may bridge the divide, it are unlikely to inspire sports men and women to victory.