FC Barcelona has been thrown into sudden administrative upheaval. On Monday, following the club’s regular board meeting, President Joan Laporta announced his resignation, sending ripples through the club’s political and strategic landscape. This decision is expected to have significant implications for the club’s upcoming elections and future planning.
Laporta’s resignation was not triggered by an immediate financial crisis or on-field performance issues. Instead, it is a strategic decision taken in accordance with the club’s constitution. Under Barcelona’s rules, any sitting president intending to stand for re-election must resign a set period in advance, paving the way for an orderly electoral process.
Laporta has been at the helm of Barcelona since March 2021, overseeing a period of both sporting and administrative restructuring. By stepping down, he has opened the path for the forthcoming elections, which are scheduled to take place within the next few weeks.
Following his resignation, Laporta will focus entirely on his re-election campaign. His main rivals have already declared their candidacy, including Víctor Font, Xavi Viyahuana, and Marc Siria, promising a competitive election season.
In a significant reshuffle, eight additional members of Laporta’s executive committee also resigned, including key figures responsible for the club’s administrative and social functions. This has prompted immediate changes within the board to maintain operational continuity. Barcelona has appointed Rafa Yuste as interim president, who will serve until the current term concludes on 30 June 2026.
The interim board composition is as follows:
| Position | Name | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Interim President | Rafa Yuste | Overall leadership and administration |
| Vice President & Secretary | Josep Cubells | Administrative and clerical oversight |
| Treasurer | Alfons Castro | Financial management |
| Director | Josep Ignasi Masia | Policy and governance |
| Director | Àngel Rueda Albás | Sports programme coordination |
| Director | Joan Soley i Sust | Social and cultural responsibilities |
| Director | Xisco Pujol | Administrative and sporting affairs |
Despite this major upheaval, Barcelona confirmed that the board meeting proceeded according to its pre-scheduled agenda, underscoring the club’s commitment to operational continuity. Officials emphasised that the daily running of the club will remain unaffected, even amid the intense electoral preparations.
Barcelona now enters a critical period of transition. With new elections, interim leadership, and strategic planning taking centre stage, the coming weeks will be pivotal for both the club’s administrative and sporting future. Off the pitch, these developments mark a decisive phase, as the club seeks to balance governance stability with the demands of an imminent electoral contest.