Joan Laporta has resigned as president of Barcelona in order to stand for re-election, scheduled for March 15, the club confirmed on Monday.
In line with Barcelona’s statutes, Laporta steps aside after nearly five years in charge. Vice President Rafa Yuste has been appointed acting president until the electoral process is concluded.
Laporta Targets Return To Office In July
The lawyer first took office in March 2021 after securing 54 percent of the vote. He is now seeking to reclaim the presidency at the ballot box and resume duties on July 1.
Laporta is widely regarded as the frontrunner in a race that also includes long-time rival Victor Font, former club executive Xavier Vilajoana, and first-time candidate Marc Ciria.
Voting Process And Eligibility Confirmed
Barcelona said around 100,000 members of legal age with at least one year of membership will be eligible to vote.
Polling will again take place across multiple venues to encourage turnout, including Camp Nou, as well as the Catalan provincial capitals of Girona, Tarragona and Lleida, and Andorra la Vella.
No Postal Voting This Time
Postal voting will not be permitted, despite calls from opposition candidates.
“This was implemented on an exceptional basis in the 2021 elections due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Barcelona said in a statement. The club noted that more than 20,000 of the 55,000 votes cast in the last election were submitted by post.
Laporta’s Turbulent But Transformative Tenure
Laporta’s tenure has spanned a turbulent yet transformative period for the club, beginning with Lionel Messi’s departure to Paris Saint-Germain.
During his time in office, Barcelona achieved domestic success, winning LaLiga and Copa del Rey titles. Off the pitch, the club returned to Camp Nou in November, even as renovation work continues.
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