Laporta’s Milestone Week: Barça’s Return to Spotify Camp Nou Amidst Political Tensions

This week marks a significant milestone for Joan Laporta and FC Barcelona. The club has finally obtained the long-awaited license to return to their home, Spotify Camp Nou, after more than two and a half years. However, not all news is positive for the president, as opposition voices are beginning to take shape.

This was evident during an event presided over by Víctor Font, a prominent figure in the campaign to unseat Laporta, who remains unfazed for the moment. “We are not yet in an electoral campaign, and I will not comment on everything that is said. When I referred to ‘mestretites’ (know-it-alls), I did not specify individuals or titles. It was a warning to those who view Barcelona solely as a business, as those individuals often envision a public limited company. If someone felt addressed by my remarks, there must be a reason,” he stated on the program ‘El Món a Rac1.’

Notably, Xavi Hernández, a former coach of Laporta, was spotted at the event, seemingly aligning himself with Font. “It did not surprise me to see him there. They had a relationship in the past, so this is not new,” Laporta commented, adding that there is currently no set date for calling presidential elections for the club. “It is not yet decided, but I aim to clarify it soon,” he said regarding elections expected to occur between March and June.

Despite the opposition, Laporta emphasized the positive aspects of the club’s imminent return to their stadium. “It is a very special feeling. I am eager to return. It will be historic; the home advantage will be significant, and it will be a delightful occasion. I have not yet relieved myself of the burden. We are striving for the 1C license, and we want 60,000 spectators by the end of the year,” the president expressed.

When asked about the much-discussed ticket prices, Laporta provided clarification: “As we expand the seating capacity, ticket prices will decrease. It’s worth noting that our season tickets remain the most affordable in Europe, and considering this historic day, ticket prices are higher than usual, but we will adjust the ratio between season ticket holders and the general public.”

The next objective is to secure the ability to host Champions League matches at the venue. “We will soon know if UEFA will allow us to play at home. The issue is that in the Champions League, accommodating the opposing fans is mandatory, and we are working on that. I am optimistic and hope we can play against Eintracht at Spotify Camp Nou,” Laporta noted.

He did not shy away from addressing his chief rival, Real Madrid. Laporta candidly described the atmosphere he experiences when visiting the Madrid box: “It is a bearable environment, quite polite. There are some sarcastic comments, and we exchange jibes, but it is manageable and entertaining. I have met five presidents of Madrid, and Florentino is very correct.”