The elections saw Convergence lose ground to the left-wing ERC party, which also supports independence but opposes Mr Mas's spending cuts.

BBC: Catalonia profile

But local observers point to the large number of undecided voters still swithering between CiU and the left-wing independentistes ERC.

BBC: Catalonia's 'bitter and personal election'

Television footage - which formed part of the evidence looked at by the ERC panel, along with statements from several witnesses - appeared to show Williams winking as he left the pitch.

BBC: Quins stunned by fake injury fine

But as the clock ticks down on the five-year agreement between ERC and the six national unions that participate in the Heineken Cup, there are those who believe the tournament could be making bigger financial gains.

WSJ: Cup That Could Hold More

Williams later had his lip cut in an attempt to make the injury appear genuine, but following an investigation by the European Rugby Cup (ERC), who oversee the Heineken Cup, the 26-year-old admitted what had happened.

BBC: Quins squad backs banned Williams