Barcelona Set March 15 Election Amid Busy Season

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed the club’s presidential elections will be held on March 15, sparking criticism from rivals who say the timing disrupts the season. The Catalan giants, owned by their members, allow elections every five years, and Laporta—sworn in 2021—was required to call a vote before the end of June.

The March date falls in the middle of Barcelona’s competitive campaign, with the club competing for La Liga, the Champions League round of 16, and domestic cups. Laporta’s decision marks the earliest possible window, rather than a post-season vote.

Other candidates, including Victor Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Camprubi, have already declared intentions to run. Critics argue Laporta is exploiting peak club form, with Barcelona topping La Liga, having just claimed the Supercopa de España against Real Madrid, and on the verge of advancing in Europe. Ciria described the timing as opportunistic, noting that normal practice would be to hold elections after the season ends.

The March 15 date is legally permitted, and Laporta has defended it as “the most appropriate on a sporting and institutional level.” Ahead of the election, he will resign in February, with a management committee taking over day-to-day operations. Candidates must gather 2,321 member signatures to appear on the ballot, a milestone all have reportedly prepared for.

Barcelona’s current form makes the vote particularly significant. The team rebounded from a 2-1 loss at Real Sociedad with a 4-2 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague, maintaining their lead atop La Liga, though now reduced to a single point. They remain in contention for automatic Champions League qualification and sit level on points with Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle, and Chelsea in sixth to eighth. Upcoming fixtures include Real Oviedo in La Liga and Copenhagen in the Champions League.

The elections promise high stakes, with timing and momentum influencing both club leadership and squad focus. Rivals insist member participation should be maximized, with calls for matchday arrangements to favor fans attending games during the voting period.

Barcelona members will now decide their next president amid one of the club’s most competitive seasons in recent memory. The outcome could shape both Laporta’s legacy and the strategic direction of a team aiming for domestic and European glory.