Joan Laporta is reportedly preparing to step down as Barcelona president, bringing an abrupt end to his second tenure.
As the Blaugrana defend their Copa del Rey crown tonight against Albacete and dominate La Liga, Laporta’s stewardship—marked by financial ingenuity and trophy hauls—faces its next democratic test amid mounting anticipation for change.
The bombshell confirmation arrives next Monday: Laporta will formally resign, triggering presidential elections around March 15 to comply with statutes mandating board stand-down before member voting, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
This calculated step frees him to pursue a third mandate openly, while vice-president Rafa Yuste steers an interim 17-member board through the transition, safeguarding operations during Flick’s treble pursuit and economic recovery.
Since reclaiming power in 2021, Laporta orchestrated fiscal salvation through unprecedented economic levers, offloading club assets to fund a competitive rebuild.
La Liga and Spanish Super Cup triumphs anchored his record, complemented by Champions League semi-final earnings last season that silenced early critics.
High-profile signings—Raphinha’s dynamism, Jules Koundé’s versatility, Robert Lewandowski’s goals—fueled Barcelona’s revival, even without Lionel Messi’s retention, proving Laporta’s recruitment acumen amid salary cap constraints.
Challengers loom large: Victor Font, narrowly defeated in 2021, returns with a data-driven platform; Xavi Vilajoana offers corporate polish; Marc Ciria pitches youth-focused reform.
Yet Laporta enters as the overwhelming favorite, buoyed by Flick’s domestic dominance and La Masia’s pipeline.
Internal board debates favored early March polls over later dates, letting him harness peak momentum before potential late-season stumbles.
Re-election to 2031 would cement four terms, fiercely defending socio-member ownership against privatization sirens.
Admirers laud his crisis navigation, turning near-bankruptcy into contention; detractors scrutinize lever sustainability and lingering debts.
Tonight’s cup quarter-final at Estadio Carlos Belmonte—sans injured Raphinha, Pedri, Christensen, Gavi—tests squad depth as election fever brews.
Barcelona’s 140,000+ members hold the ballot power, weighing Laporta’s proven grit against rivals’ promises.
His exit, temporary or tactical, underscores a club reborn yet restless, where leadership shapes the post-Messi dynasty.
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