Victor Font Accuses Joan Laporta of Leveraging Club Resources Ahead of Barcelona’s 2026 Election

The race for FC Barcelona’s presidency erupted into controversy on Tuesday, as former candidate Víctor Font publicly accused current president Joan Laporta of using club resources to bolster his position ahead of next year’s election.

With the pre-election climate already simmering months before the vote, set to take place between March and May 2026, according to Laporta’s own recent confirmation, Font escalated tensions through a pointed message on social media. He criticized an upcoming club-organized event scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, billed as an opportunity to “attend to club members,” but featuring Laporta, the team’s mascot, and several of last season’s trophies.

Font argued that the gathering crosses an ethical line, framing it as a thinly veiled promotional appearance. “This is a conflict of interest and very probably illegal,” he wrote, accusing Laporta of turning “club resources” into campaign tools as the election cycle approaches.

Laporta defeated Font in the previous presidential race, and their rivalry has remained a defining subplot in Barcelona’s political landscape. The latest dispute underscores how contentious the run-up to 2026 is likely to be, with pressure mounting inside a club still managing financial challenges and competitive expectations.

For now, the November 18 event remains on the schedule—another flashpoint in a campaign season that appears to have begun well before the ballots arrive.