In a significant administrative shift, Joan Laporta has formally relinquished his position as president of FC Barcelona, a move executed to enable his candidacy in the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for March 15. This development, reported by the club’s official channels, marks the conclusion of a tenure that commenced in March 2021 following an electoral victory where he secured 54% of the votes.
Complying with the stipulations of Article 42 of the Catalan club’s statutes, Laporta’s resignation was formalized during an ordinary board of directors meeting, which also served as the platform to officially announce the call for new elections. Having served for nearly five years, his departure aligns with the club’s foundational regulations, paving the way for an interim leadership structure.
A Reshaped Board and Interim Leadership
The administrative transition extends beyond the presidency. In a coordinated exodus, several members of the current board of directors have also submitted their resignations to join the electoral process alongside Joan Laporta. Among the key figures stepping down are the Vice President for Institutional Affairs, Elena Fort, and the Vice President for Social Affairs, Rafael Escudero.
This wave of resignations further includes board members Ferran Olivé, Josep Maria Albert, Xavier Barbany, Miquel Camps, Aureli Mas, Xavier Puig, and Joan Soler i Ferré. Following the formal acceptance of these departures, the newly constituted board of directors is mandated to exercise its functions until the predetermined end of its term on June 30.
Assuming the presidential responsibilities during this transitional period of approximately three and a half months is the club’s vice president, Rafa Yuste, who will carry out the duties of the office until the electoral process concludes and a new president is installed.