Joan Laporta Steps Down as Barcelona President to Pursue Re-election

Joan Laporta has officially stepped down as president of FC Barcelona, intending to re-enter the electoral race when the club's members cast their votes on March 15.

According to the club’s regulations, the current president must resign prior to elections, allowing a management commission to oversee operations during this period.

Laporta, who first assumed office in March 2021 after securing 54% of the votes, is exiting after almost five years as part of the club's rules. Vice President Rafa Yuste will temporarily take over the presidential duties for the next three and a half months.

The lawyer aims to regain his presidency through the ballot box and hopes to return to his position by July 1. He is anticipated to be the frontrunner against long-time adversary Victor Font.

Additionally, former club executive Xavier Vilajoana and economist Marc Ciria, who is making his debut in a Barcelona election, have announced their candidacy.

Approximately 100,000 eligible Barcelona members, having been members for at least a year, will be able to vote in the elections.

Barcelona has stated that voting will be conducted at various venues to enhance voter turnout, including the club’s facilities, as well as locations in the Catalan provincial capitals of Girona, Tarragona, Lleida, and Andorra la Vella.

Postal voting will not be an option this time, despite requests from some opposing candidates. The club clarified that postal voting was only allowed in the 2021 elections because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In that election, over 20,000 of the 55,000 voters cast their ballots by mail.