Barcelona’s President Resigns Ahead of Upcoming Elections
On February 9, Barcelona announced the resignation of its president, Joan Laporta, in preparation for the upcoming elections. While this may catch some off guard, it’s actually a requirement under Article 42f of the Barcelona Statute, which mandates that Laporta must resign to be eligible to run for a position on the Board of Directors. Here’s what you need to know about the election schedule:
Election Timeline
The main elections are set for March 15, but there are several steps leading up to that date. According to an official statement from the club, multiple board members, including Vice Presidents Elena Fort and Rafael Escudero, have also stepped down to enter the electoral race. The board will continue operations under a new structure until the current term ends on June 30. Rafael Juste will temporarily lead the club, with Alfons Castro appointed Vice-President and Secretary, while other board members include Josep Ignasi Macia and Ángel Liudalvas, among others.
Key Dates Before the Election:
- February 9: Formal election announcement
- February 10: Lottery to form election management committees
- February 13-14: Full establishment of the Election Commission
- February 15: Period for endorsements begins
- February 15-19: Publication of the electoral register
- February 20-22: Resolution of claims and approval of the final electoral register
- February 23 to March 2: Submission of candidate applications
- March 3-5: Announcement of candidates gaining support from over 50% of members
- March 6-13: Campaign period
- March 14: Reflection day
- March 15: Election day
Voters will have access to five polling stations across Catalonia and Andorra, allowing universal voting regardless of residence. However, mail-in voting will not be available, unlike in the 2021 elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Candidates in the Running
Each candidate must collect 2,321 supportive signatures. The current candidates include Xavier Vilajoana, João Camprubi, Marc Cilia, and Victor Font, who previously finished second in the 2021 elections. Font has stated he would not keep Deko as sporting director if elected but aims to retain Hansi Flick.
Historical Context of Barcelona Presidents
A comprehensive list of Barcelona’s past presidents reflects a rich history:
- Walter Wild (1899–1901)
- Josep Nuñez (1978–2000)
- Joan Laporta (2003-2010, 2021-present)
About Joan Laporta
A notable figure in the club’s history, Laporta was born on June 29, 1962. He first became president in 2003, leading the team to numerous accolades, including four La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League victories. After a break, he returned to the presidency in 2021 and has since added more silverware to the club’s impressive trophy case.
Fan Take: Laporta’s resignation is significant for soccer fans as it signals a potential shift in leadership and strategy at one of the world’s most prestigious clubs. With the future of the team hanging in the balance, this election could influence Barcelona’s trajectory in both domestic and international competitions, making it a pivotal moment for supporters.
