Three people are competing for the position of president of Barcelona: Joan Laporta, Víctor Font, and Marc Ciria.
Of the six candidates, only Laporta, Font, and Ciria received the requisite backing from club members — socis — who will vote for Barça’s next president on March 15.
Xavier Vilajoana, Daniel Juan, and William Maddock all failed to obtain the 2,337 signatures required from members to appear on the election ballot.
Laporta had the most signatures (8,169), but the other contenders received significant support as well, with Font receiving 5,144 and Ciria receiving 2,844.
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Vilajoana fell short, with 1,593 signatures, while Juan and Maddock had only 84 and nine, respectively.
Laporta kicked off the electoral process in February by quitting in order to run again. He was elected in 2021, having previously served from 2003 to 2010, and is
now attempting to extend his presidency.
Given the team’s success under coach Hansi Flick over the last 18 months, local media reports that Laporta is the clear frontrunner to be chosen when members vote this month, According To Barca News.
In His Words?
However, with Font — who finished second to Laporta five years ago — and Ciria both garnering significant support thus far, it may not be the foregone outcome many predicted.
The combined signatures of Font, Ciria, and Vilajoana topped Laporta’s total, fueling speculation of a possible consolidation of the anti-Laporta vote.
With the field defined, attention shifts to the primary themes that will likely dominate the 12 days running up to the vote.
Results on the pitch and stability are important factors in Barça elections, but the club’s financial condition, the Spotify Camp Nou makeover, potential summer signings, and Lionel Messi’s role in the club’s future will all be hot topics as campaigning heats up.
Font and Ciria have also leaned strongly on the Messi issue, reminding members that Laporta was the president who oversaw the club legend’s departure, even though a playing comeback is exceedingly doubtful.
None of the three remaining contenders have named any potential summer signings, which is a customary ploy during elections, though Vilajoana has mentioned Harry Kane.
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