Five years after taking charge at Barcelona, Joan Laporta has officially vacated the presidency.
Ordinarily, an exit at an institution of this scale would trigger global alarm. However, the Catalan club’s member-led structure makes this development far less dramatic than it may first appear.
Rather than signalling instability, the move follows internal regulations and sets the stage for an imminent electoral contest.
Reason behind laporta’s departure
The previous resignation at Barcelona came under far darker circumstances. Josep Maria Bartomeu relinquished power after a failed confidence vote, surrounded by allegations of economic mishandling and claims he financed online attacks targeting his own organisation, a scandal later labelled “Barçagate”.
Given that background, supporters might naturally fear history repeating itself. In this case, however, there is no comparable controversy attached to Laporta’s decision.
His exit is procedural. Club statutes require anyone seeking the top role to be free of employment ties with Barcelona, forcing Laporta to leave office before launching his campaign.
The deadline fell on Monday, and, true to form, he delayed confirmation until the final hours. Voting has been scheduled for March 15, when members will decide whether he returns.
Interim leadership and election challengers
During the campaign period, responsibility shifts to Rafa Yuste. Having served as vice president since 2021, he will oversee daily affairs on a temporary basis.
This arrangement will last through the remainder of the season. Once ballots are counted, the successful candidate will assume full authority.
The strongest rival is expected to be Victor Font, runner-up in the 2021 vote. Font has already stated that, if successful, he would part ways with sporting director Deco.
He has criticised the timing of the process, arguing elections traditionally occur after the season to minimise disruption. Marc Ciria has also entered the race, accusing Laporta of capitalising on recent Super Cup success and a commanding league position rather than risking a later vote amid potential setbacks.
Xavier Vilajoana and Joan Camprubí have likewise declared intentions to stand. Every hopeful must secure 2,321 member endorsements by early March to qualify.
Chances of another mandate
Forecasting the outcome remains difficult, yet Laporta enters with confidence. His landslide margin over Font four years ago offers encouragement.
Support may hinge on performances on the pitch and signs of financial recovery, persuading many that continuity outweighs change.
Font, however, has taken an aggressive stance. He has accused the current board of deception, insisting widespread dissatisfaction exists among the membership.
According to him, a brief opportunity to address tens of thousands of socios inside Camp Nou would be enough to turn the tide, claiming significant interests are at risk in the coming decision.