Tactical Resignation: Laporta Steps Down to Trigger 2026 FC Barcelona Elections

Date: February 9, 2026

Location: Barcelona, Spain

In a move that formalizes the start of a high-stakes political season at the Spotify Camp Nou, Joan Laporta officially resigned as President of FC Barcelona today, Monday, February 9. Far from a departure driven by crisis, the resignation is a strategic procedural necessity mandated by the club’s governing statutes, clearing the way for Laporta to seek a fresh mandate in the upcoming elections scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The Procedural Framework

According to Article 42.f of the FC Barcelona Statutes, any sitting president or board member who intends to run for a position on the next Board of Directors must step down once the election is officially called. This rule is designed to ensure a level playing field, preventing incumbents from utilizing club resources or institutional authority to influence the campaign.

Alongside Laporta, several key figures of the current administration have also relinquished their posts to join his electoral platform:

• Elena Fort (Vice-President, Institutional Area)

• Rafael Escudero (Vice-President, Social Area)

• Ferran Olivé (Treasurer)

• Members of the board including Miquel Camps, Xavier Puig, and Joan Soler i Ferré.

The Interim Management

During this transition, the club will be governed by a Management Commission led by Rafael Yuste, who will serve as the interim president until the new board is inaugurated on July 1, 2026. Their primary role is to maintain the day-to-day operations and financial stability of the club without initiating major new long-term contracts or projects.

Why Now? The Strategic Context

Laporta’s decision to call the elections for March—the earliest possible window—rather than waiting until the end of the season in June, has been labeled "opportunistic" by his rivals. However, from Laporta's perspective, the timing capitalizes on a period of relative institutional and sporting strength:

1. Sporting Success: Under Hansi Flick, the first team currently leads La Liga and has secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stages. Laporta’s camp believes that the positive atmosphere around the pitch will translate into votes.

2. Espai Barça Progress: The renovation of the Spotify Camp Nou is progressing visibly. Laporta has centered his legacy on the successful financing and execution of this landmark infrastructure project.

3. Financial Stabilization: While still operating under strict La Liga salary caps, Laporta argues that his administration has saved the club from "extinction" following the financial chaos inherited in 2021.

The Challenger Landscape

The March 15 vote will not be a coronation. Laporta faces a crowded field of candidates who are expected to challenge his record on financial transparency and the departure of club legends:

• Víctor Font: Laporta’s primary rival from the 2021 election. Font has recently centered his campaign on the "reunification" of the club with Lionel Messi and has been critical of current Sporting Director Deco.

• Marc Ciria: An economist who has been vocal about the club's debt structure and the need for a more modernized financial model.

• Xavier Vilajoana: A former board member with deep ties to La Masia, focusing on the preservation of the club's identity.

Key Electoral Dates

• Feb 9: Official call for elections and board resignations.

• Feb 23 – Mar 2: Submission of candidacy proposals (requires 15% of member signatures).

• Mar 6 – Mar 13: Official campaign period.

• Mar 15: Election Day.

As the 35-day countdown begins, the Socis (club members) hold the power to decide if Laporta's "continuity" message is enough to see him through to 2031, or if the challenges of the last five years warrant a change in direction for one of the world's most unique sporting institutions.