Lorraine Williamson
FC Barcelona has entered election mode after president Joan Laporta temporarily stepped aside in order to stand for re-election, triggering the start of a new leadership campaign at one of Europe’s biggest football clubs.
Under the club’s statutes, any sitting president who wishes to run again must step down during the election period. Laporta has done so ahead of the vote expected in March, with a vice-president now serving as acting head until members choose the next leader.
For supporters, it marks the beginning of a campaign that will shape the club’s sporting and financial direction for years to come.
Why Laporta stepped down
The decision is procedural rather than dramatic. Barcelona is owned by its members, known as socios, who elect the president. Rules require candidates already in office to temporarily relinquish their role to ensure a fair election process.
Laporta is widely expected to run again and is considered a strong contender after overseeing a turbulent period that included financial restructuring, squad rebuilding, and the ongoing redevelopment of Camp Nou.
Stepping aside allows him to campaign on equal footing with any challengers.
A pivotal moment for Barcelona
The election comes at a crucial time for the club. Barcelona continues to manage significant financial pressures while attempting to rebuild its squad and return to consistent success on the pitch.
The Camp Nou renovation remains one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in European football. Decisions taken by the next president will influence budgets, transfers, and long-term strategy.
Leadership stability will be a key concern for fans and investors alike.
What happens next
With Laporta no longer acting president during the campaign period, an interim leadership team will oversee day-to-day operations. Candidates are expected to outline their plans in the coming weeks, with campaigning likely to focus on finances, sporting success, and the club’s future identity.
Barcelona’s presidential elections often attract intense scrutiny due to the club’s global profile and member-owned structure. While this is not a political election in the governmental sense, it carries major implications for one of Spain’s most influential sporting institutions.
Barcelona withdraw from European Super League
A club at a crossroads
The coming weeks will determine whether Laporta secures another mandate or whether members opt for a new direction. Either outcome will shape Barcelona’s next chapter as it navigates financial recovery, stadium redevelopment, and the challenge of remaining competitive at the highest level.
For now, the temporary step-aside signals the start of an election race that will be closely watched by supporters across Spain and beyond.
Sources: Reuters,