The Catalan club has decided to bring forward the election date.
Barcelona has decided to set the date for the club’s presidential elections for March 15th, the earliest date allowed by the statutes. This decision came after a meeting held by the board of directors, chaired by “Joan Laporta,” on Thursday.
The statutes of the Catalan club stipulate that elections must be held between March 15th and June 15th, 2026.
According to the Catalan newspaper “Sport”, the decision was made after internal discussions to hold the elections as soon as possible.
There was an initial idea to postpone the elections to March 22nd, coinciding with the team’s match against Rayo Vallecano at the “Spotify Camp Nou” stadium, as the statutes recommend holding the elections on the match day to encourage participation, but this proposal was ultimately rejected.
Barcelona will likely play a home game the same weekend against Sevilla, with the final date set for March 14th or 15th, depending on the team’s schedule in the Champions League, and whether they will play the second leg of the round of 16 on Tuesday or Wednesday.
A date that does not pose a risk to Laporta
Holding the elections at this time means that the voting process will take place between the first and second legs of the same round, thus avoiding any potential negative repercussions for “Laporta” in the event of elimination from the European tournament.
After setting the election date for March 15th, “Laporta” and the members of the board of directors who wish to run for a new term must submit their resignations in early February, specifically around the 8th of the same month, in compliance with the timeline of the electoral process.
Before that, an extraordinary general assembly is likely to be held to approve a new sponsorship agreement for the first team’s shirt, in addition to approving the extension of the contract signed with “Spotify.”
During the election period, one-third of the current board of directors will continue to manage the club’s affairs, and the sports vice president, “Rafa Yuste,” will assume the position of acting president, without the need to form a temporary management committee. As for the members wishing to return to the new board of directors, they must be approved by the assembly of delegates.
