Joan Laporta has secured a commanding five-year mandate as Barcelona president, overcoming a challenge from Victor Font despite a late campaign storm. The incumbent triumphed in a landslide victory just days after explosive allegations from Xavi Hernandez threatened to derail his candidacy.
With the support of the socios, Laporta now turns his focus towards a future defined by stadium redevelopment and continued on-field dominance under Hansi Flick.
In a decisive display of democratic support, Laporta retained his presidency by claiming 32,934 votes, dwarfing Font’s 14,385.
The election took place against a backdrop of institutional tension following Xavi’s recent claims that Laporta personally blocked Messi’s return in 2023.
Despite this ‘bombshell’, a turnout of 42.34% of eligible members saw the majority back Laporta’s current trajectory. Polling stations across Catalonia and Andorra were busy throughout Sunday, with the partially-revamped Spotify Camp Nou hosting over 60,000 fans for a 5-2 win over Sevilla as the results were finalised.
Following his win, Laporta thanked the members for their “display of democracy” and promised a period of unprecedented stability. “First of all, I want to dedicate a few words of gratitude to this wonderful club we have,” he remarked. “It’s great to see that members can still choose who represents us. This passion is a joy; it makes the club special, so thanks to Barca and all the members who voted today in a display of democracy. The result itself is conclusive, and it gives us a lot of strength — so much strength that it will make us unstoppable. We will keep defending Barcelona against everything and everyone. The upcoming years will be thrilling. They will be the best of our lives.”
SOURCE: GOAL.COM
