Joan Laporta announces FC Barcelona presidential elections for 2026
This decision would require the Blaugrana club’s president to step down from his position in mid-February.
FC Barcelona has officially locked in the date for one of the most consequential institutional moments in its modern history: the presidential elections. Following a recent ordinary meeting of the Board of Directors, the club formally agreed to call on its members (socios) to head to the polls. The timing comes as no surprise to those close to the club, as the atmosphere shifted toward an electoral footing immediately after the team’s triumphant conquest of the Supercopa de España.
The elections have been scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026. This date is strategically significant as it coincides with a high-profile home match against Sevilla at the Spotify Camp Nou. While the club’s statutes allow for a window between mid-March and late June, the current board believes this early date is the most effective way to provide institutional stability without disrupting the first team's pursuit of La Liga and Champions League titles later in the spring.
The Stadium Factor and Institutional Context
The board is betting on a "feel-good" factor to influence the vote. By March 15, the club expects to have the Spotify Camp Nou operating with a partial capacity of 62,000 spectators, a milestone set to be reached by late February. Campaigning amidst the backdrop of a returning home crowd provides a powerful narrative for the incumbent administration, framing the election as a moment of rebirth for the "Blaugrana" project.
The Transition: Laporta’s Resignation and the Interim Board
To strictly follow the club's constitutional framework, Joan Laporta is expected to present his formal resignation around February 15. Once the president steps down, the club will fall under the stewardship of a Management Commission (Junta Gestora).
Key details of this transition include:
- Composition: The commission must consist of one-third of the current board members.
- Interim Leadership: If Laporta resigns to run for re-election, Rafael Yuste, the current Sporting Vice President, will assume the interim presidency until a winner is proclaimed.
- Ratification: Should Laporta win a new term, any returning board members will require subsequent ratification by the Assembly of Representative Members (Asamblea de Compromisarios).
The Field of Candidates
The electoral map is already taking shape. Joan Laporta will seek re-election to finish the "Espai Barça" project. He will face familiar opposition from Víctor Font, who finished second in the last elections, alongside Xavi Vilajoana and Marc Ciria. The wildcard remains Joan Camprubí, who has been a vocal advocate for a unified opposition front to challenge the current leadership.
Strategic "Last Orders" Before the Vote
Before the campaign officially kicks off, the current board must address several high-stakes strategic matters. An Extraordinary Assembly has been scheduled for February 7 and 8. During this session, the socios will be asked to approve:
- Back-of-Shirt Sponsor: A new lucrative partnership to boost the club’s "Financial Fair Play" margin.
- Spotify Extension: Reclassifying and extending the partnership with Spotify until 2034, ensuring long-term revenue.
Furthermore, the board recently ratified the Basketball team’s license with the Euroleague until 2036. Intriguingly, they included an "escape clause" (in pectore) that would allow Barcelona to pivot toward a potential NBA Europe project should that venture materialize.
FC Barcelona is entering a pivotal crossroad. The decisions made between now and March 15 will not only decide who sits in the president's box but will define the club’s financial and competitive trajectory for the next decade.
