Rabat – Joan Laporta has stepped down as president of FC Barcelona. His resignation was submitted during Monday’s board meeting, in line with the club’s bylaws.
Article 42.f requires any sitting president who wishes to run for re-election to resign before the campaign begins.
🚨 Última hora
💬 Las palabras de Laporta tras dimitir como presidente del FC Barcelona para presentarse a la reelección: “Con ganas de volver a veros”.
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— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) February 9, 2026
Laporta, who returned to lead the club in March 2021, will now focus on the election scheduled for Sunday, March 15. He joins other declared candidates Víctor Font, Xavi Vilajoana, and Marc Ciria in the race.
His decision is not unusual in Barcelona’s political system. The club’s rules are designed to ensure fairness in elections, preventing a sitting president from using the power of office during the campaign.
By resigning, Laporta complies with these regulations and clears the way to present himself again to the members.
Several board members also resigned alongside him. These include Elena Fort, Vice President for Institutional Affairs; Antonio Escudero, Vice President for Social Affairs; Treasurer Ferran Olivé; and directors Josep Maria Albert, Xavier Barbany, Miquel Camps, Aureli Mas, Xavier Puig, and Joan Soler i Ferré.
Despite these departures, the board remains functional. Seven directors continue in charge, meeting the minimum requirement of six (one-third of the board). Rafa Yuste, previously vice president, will serve as acting president until June 30.
He will be supported by Josep Cubells as vice president and secretary, Alfons Castro as treasurer, and board members Josep Ignasi Macià, Àngel Riudalbas, Joan Solé i Sust, and Sisco Pujol.
The newly formed board carried on with the meeting after Laporta’s resignation, following the agenda as planned.
Laporta’s exit marks the start of a new campaign period at Barcelona. His leadership since 2021 has been defined by efforts to stabilize the club financially and rebuild the squad after years of turmoil.
Now, he seeks a fresh mandate from the members, but must first convince them that his vision remains the right path forward.