FC Barcelona: Joan Laporta steps down (official)

Barcelona, Spain – In a procedural but pivotal move, Joan Laporta has officially resigned as president of FC Barcelona, triggering the formal start of the club’s 2025 electoral cycle. The resignation, confirmed by the club on Monday, complies with article 42.f of the Barça statutes, which requires any incumbent wishing to seek re-election to vacate the post once the election call is published.

Laporta’s departure was not solitary. Nine fellow board members also tendered their resignations during the regular board session convened to ratify the election timetable. Vice presidents Elena Fort and Antonio Escudero, alongside directors Ferran Olivé, Josep Maria Albert, Javier Barbany, Miquel Camps, Aureli Mas, Javier Puig, and Joan Soler y Ferré, will join Laporta on the ballot or support his bid when members vote on Sunday, 15 March.

With immediate effect, a reconstituted board will steer the institution through the campaign period. Rafael Yuste assumes the presidency on an interim basis, flanked by vice president and secretary Josep Cubells, treasurer Alfons Castro, and directors Josep Ignasi Macià, Àngel Riudalbas, Joan Solé i Sust, and Sisco Pujol. The transitional body will remain in place until 30 June, when the newly elected president and board will formally take office for the 2025-29 term.

Monday’s meeting, held at the club’s offices, concluded with the outgoing directors approving the remaining agenda items before stepping aside, ensuring operational continuity ahead of what promises to be a closely watched election.

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