Is Laporta's Presidency in Jeopardy? A Motion of No Confidence Looms Over Barcelona
The FC Barcelona boardroom is once again under intense scrutiny as Jordi Farré, a club member and former presidential candidate, prepares to formally submit a motion of no confidence against current president Joan Laporta. The announcement comes in the wake of a joint statement from several fan platforms and associations demanding Laporta's "immediate resignation," signaling growing unrest among Barça's membership base.
Mounting Criticism Against Laporta's Leadership
Since his re-election as president in 2021, Laporta has faced persistent criticism from various factions of the Barcelona community. The last few months have been particularly turbulent, marked by financial challenges and controversial decisions. Notably, the club's failure to register key players such as Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor has been cited by Farré as the latest example of what he calls "disastrous management."
In an interview in August 2024, Farré hinted at his intentions:
"Laporta must resign immediately. If the people ask me to, I will file a motion of no confidence. I believe Laporta is a problem for the future of the club," he stated, criticizing other opposition groups for their lack of action against the current board.
Who Is Jordi Farré?
Farré is no stranger to Barça’s political landscape. In 2020, he spearheaded the successful motion of no confidence against Josep Maria Bartomeu, which ultimately led to the former president's resignation. He also ran as a candidate in the 2021 presidential elections, competing against Laporta. Now, alongside fellow club member Marc Cornet, Farré is once again activating this mechanism to challenge the current leadership.
What’s Next for the Motion of No Confidence?
To proceed, Farré and Cornet must gather the support of 15% of voting members, amounting to over 16,500 valid signatures. If successful, the motion would then go to a referendum where 66.6% of voting members would need to approve the motion for Laporta to be ousted.
Although the process is complex and time-consuming, Farré believes that the increasing dissatisfaction among fans provides the momentum necessary to achieve this.
Laporta’s tenure has been overshadowed by financial difficulties and organizational challenges. While he has worked to rebuild the club on and off the pitch, several recent controversies have intensified criticism:
- Player Registration Issues: The inability to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor, both considered vital players, has become a focal point of discontent.
- Asset Sales: The sale of strategic club assets has raised concerns among fans and members.
- Spotify Camp Nou Delays: The slow progress on the stadium renovation project has added to frustrations.
- Internal Tensions: Reports of unrest within the squad have further tarnished Laporta's image.