Barcelona are entering another decisive phase where matters off the pitch are beginning to take centre stage once again.
While the focus remains on performances, contracts and long-term sporting planning, the club’s internal machinery has been quietly moving in the background.
Boardroom stability has been a recurring theme at the Camp Nou in recent seasons, especially amid financial recovery and structural change.
With major decisions looming, senior figures are eager to ensure clarity sooner rather than later.
That urgency has now filtered into one of the most important processes in the club’s governance.
Barcelona’s first official board meeting of 2026 took place earlier today, and among the key topics discussed was the timing of the next presidential election.
Under club statutes, the board was required to choose a date within a defined window running from mid-March to mid-June, but there was a strong feeling among senior directors that dragging the process out would serve little purpose.
The belief internally is that earlier resolution brings greater administrative stability during a critical stage of the sporting season, allowing the club to operate with certainty both on and off the pitch.
According to RAC1, that discussion has now led to a clear decision, with March 15, 2026 selected as the date for the presidential election.
By opting for the very start of the permitted window, the board has effectively fast-tracked the process, ensuring that any new leadership structure will be in place well before the final stretch of the campaign.
The move reflects a desire to avoid prolonged uncertainty, something Barcelona have experienced too often in recent years.
The board had initially narrowed the choice down to two possible dates, March 15 and March 22.
Both options were strategically appealing, as they coincide with home fixtures at the Spotify Camp Nou, which would likely boost member turnout and engagement.
Ultimately, the earlier date was favoured, with officials keen to conclude formalities as quickly as possible.
An official announcement is expected in due course, after which the current president will step down temporarily, alongside any board members who intend to contest the election.
Attention will then turn fully to the candidates.
Joan Laporta is set to seek another term and, despite facing competition, remains the frontrunner.
His expected challengers include Xavi Vilajoana, Victor Font and Marc Ciria, all of whom are preparing to test the mood of the membership.
Even so, Joan Laporta is widely viewed as the man to beat, largely due to the club’s sporting resurgence under his leadership.
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