Laporta resigns as Barcelona begin process of electing new President
Barcelona have formally launched the process to elect a new president after confirming the resignation of Joan Laporta, a procedural requirement under club statutes for candidates seeking re-election.
In a statement issued on Monday, the club announced that Laporta has stepped down to enable him contest the presidential election scheduled for March 15.
The development marks the official start of an electoral process that will determine who leads the club for the next four years.
Laporta resigns in line with statutes
Barcelona confirmed that Laporta’s decision was not voluntary but mandated by club rules governing elections.
“In accordance with Article 42.f of the FC Barcelona Statutes, president Joan Laporta has stepped down from his position in order to be eligible to stand in the elections to the Board of Directors, which will be held on 15 March,” the statement read.
The club added that the resignation was “formalised at the ordinary meeting of the Board of Directors held this Monday, at which the election call was officially published.”
Laporta had previously announced the election date last month and has already made clear his intention to seek another term in office.
Board reshuffle ahead of March vote
Laporta is not the only senior figure to vacate office. Barcelona confirmed that nine other board members have also resigned, as they intend to contest elections to retain their positions.
“Several members of the current board have also relinquished their posts to take part in the electoral process,” the club said, naming vice-presidents Elena Fort and Rafael Escudero, alongside directors Ferran Oliver, Josep Maria Albert, Javier Barbany, Miquel Camps, Aureli Mas, Javier Puig, Joan Soler i Ferré, and others.
Their departures have triggered the formation of an interim board to oversee day-to-day operations until the elections are concluded.
Former vice-president Rafael Yuste has been appointed acting president, with Josep Cubells named vice-president and secretary. Alfons Castro will serve as treasurer, while Josep Ignasi Macià, Àngel Riudalbas, Joan Solé i Sust, and Sisco Pujol complete the temporary board.
Countdown to new leadership
With the electoral timetable now active, Barcelona enters a transitional phase both administratively and politically.
The March 15 vote will decide whether Laporta secures another mandate or whether the club charts a new course under different leadership.
