Barcelona Prepares for Upcoming Presidential Elections

Barcelona is currently preparing for its upcoming presidential elections scheduled for next month. Joan Laporta, who was re-elected in 2021 with 54% of the vote, will once again run for office. Other candidates include Victor Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Camprubi.

Laporta has expressed his belief that he deserves to continue leading the club, stating in an interview with RAC1: “This has been a year of recovery for the club, and I want to run again because I believe we are doing an excellent job. This project deserves to continue. Our program included some controversial measures that were necessary to implement under significant pressure. I understand why some might not have supported them; they were not fully aware of the internal challenges we faced. It required ingenuity, courage, and determination.

“We have had to confront a campaign of institutional discredit spearheaded by some sectors, particularly our rivals. Furthermore, the process of registering players was complicated by the aggressive opposition from those who did not wish for our success. All of these experiences empower me to continue. I firmly believe the project I am proud to lead should move forward, as it serves the best interests of Barcelona. Above all, our love for this club drives everything we do for its welfare.”

In contrast, Victor Font has indicated his readiness to implement changes should he succeed in defeating Laporta. He stated to RAC1: “My coach will be Hansi Flick, but Deco will not serve as my sporting director. We will ensure that the existing structure aligns better with Hansi Flick’s requirements, eliminating undue influences from individuals like Alejandro Echevarria, who does not hold an official position but wields significant sway. Deco is a trusted advisor to Laporta, as well as to Echevarria.”

Font also discussed his plans regarding Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. He previously noted that Messi would be the first person he would contact if elected and revealed he has already reached out to Messi’s camp: “I don’t have his phone number, but I do have his family’s. We aim to rebuild bridges. Conversations have taken place with his inner circle, but I have not asked him to take a public stance on my behalf. I will not mislead the members by leveraging Messi as Laporta did during his campaign. It is evident that he will not return under Laporta’s leadership.”

In 2023, Deco was appointed as Barcelona’s sporting director under a three-year agreement and has collaborated closely with Flick since the latter’s appointment to replace Xavi, achieving victories in two Spanish Super Cup titles, La Liga, and the Copa del Rey.

Flick expressed his full support for Deco in a recent pre-match press conference, stating: “I am pleased with the situation regarding Deco. We have established mutual trust and confidence. We share the same vision for the players we seek and the philosophy we uphold. He allows us to perform our roles effectively, which is crucial. We have a calm environment to accomplish what is necessary. I have not experienced this before, and I appreciate it greatly.”

The presidential elections are set to occur on March 15, coinciding with Barcelona’s La Liga match against Sevilla and just three days prior to a crucial Champions League last-16 second leg match. Font has criticized the timing of the elections, asserting: “It is clear these elections are being scheduled for Laporta’s convenience. He appears indifferent to holding elections during a Champions League knockout stage. Nonetheless, we anticipated this and are prepared. These elections are vital for the future of Barcelona, marking the beginning of the process to restore the club to its members.”