Barcelona President Joan Laporta Officially Resigns to Launch Re-Election Campaign as Club Enters Election Mode

Joan Laporta officially submitted his resignation as Barcelona club president during a routine board of directors meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, setting in motion an election process that will determine the club's leadership for the next several years. The 62-year-old's departure, along with eight other board members, was a strategic move designed to allow him to stand for re-election under the club's statutes, rather than a forced resignation due to any crisis at the Camp Nou.

Under Article 42.f of Barcelona's club statutes, any sitting president who wishes to run for re-election must resign before the campaign officially begins. Laporta's resignation ensures his eligibility to compete in the elections scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026. The move places him alongside other declared candidates including Víctor Font, Xavi Vilajoana, and Marc Ciria in what promises to be a closely contested race for control of one of world football's most prestigious institutions.

Following the mass resignation of Laporta and his executive team, Barcelona activated its institutional continuity plan, placing Rafa Yuste at the helm as interim president. Yuste will oversee club operations until the end of the current mandate on June 30, 2026, ensuring stability during the transition period. The eight departing board members included key figures from Barcelona's institutional and social structure, marking a significant reshuffling of the club's leadership hierarchy.

Laporta first served as Barcelona president from 2003 to 2010, a golden era that saw the emergence of Pep Guardiola as manager and the development of one of football's greatest-ever teams. He returned to lead the club in March 2021, inheriting a dire financial situation and the aftermath of Lionel Messi's departure. His tenure has been marked by efforts to stabilize the club's finances while remaining competitive in La Liga and European competitions.

The election campaign will now dominate Barcelona's off-field narrative over the coming month, with candidates presenting their visions for the club's future. Key issues likely to feature prominently include financial sustainability, squad investment, the ongoing Camp Nou renovation project, and the club's competitive positioning against rivals Real Madrid both domestically and in Europe. Each candidate will need to convince Barcelona's socios (club members) that they possess the leadership qualities to guide the institution forward.

The March 15 election represents a pivotal moment for Barcelona as the club seeks to build on recent progress while addressing ongoing challenges. With Laporta now officially in campaign mode alongside his rivals, Barcelona supporters can expect intensive debate about the club's direction in the weeks ahead, culminating in a vote that will shape the Catalan giants' trajectory for years to come.