Barcelona to hold elections for next president on March 15

"LaLiga champions Barcelona have called elections to vote for a new president on March 15. Current president Joan Laporta's five-year mandate ends later this year, but there was some flexibility on when elections could be held. The club could have chosen any date between the middle of March and the middle of June, but have opted for the earliest possible window, while the team is still competing in various competitions."

"The date -- a Sunday -- falls in the middle of the Champions League round of 16, which Barça hope to be involved in, and at a time when LaLiga and the Copa del Rey are still at stake. Sporting performances usually have a major influence on how members vote. "It's obvious that the elections have been called when is convenient for Laporta," Font, who finished second in the 2021 election, said Thursday."

Barcelona will hold presidential elections on March 15 while the team continues to compete in domestic and European competitions. Joan Laporta's five-year mandate ends later this year and he will stand for re-election. Víctor Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana and Joan Camprubí have announced candidacies. Candidates must secure 2,321 member signatures to appear on the ballot. Opposition candidates criticised the timing of the vote, which falls during the Champions League round of 16 and while LaLiga and the Copa del Rey remain contested. Laporta must resign in February and a management committee will run the club temporarily. Major election issues include club finances and the nearing completion of the Spotify Camp Nou redevelopment.

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