Barcelona President Laporta Steps Down for Re-Election Battle

Joan Laporta, who took office as Barcelona president in March 2021 after winning 54% of the vote, has stepped down to seek re-election. He launched a 35-day countdown to the election set for March 15.

Laporta's resignation comes after nearly five years in charge in line with the club's statutes. During his absence, the club's vice president, Rafa Yuste, will act as president for the next three and a half months.

Laporta, a lawyer, aims to return to office on July 1 by winning the election. He is viewed as the favorite against his long-time rival, Victor Font.

Around 100,000 Barcelona members who have been legal for at least one year are eligible to vote in the election.