10/02/2026
Joan Laporta resigned as president of FC Barcelona on February 9, 2026. This was a **procedural and mandatory step** under the club's statutes (specifically Article 42.f), rather than due to any scandal, crisis, or forced exit.
The reason is that Laporta intends to run for **re-election** in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for March 15, 2026. According to FC Barcelona's rules, an incumbent president (and board members) must formally step down to be eligible to stand as a candidate. This levels the playing field, preventing the sitting president from using official resources, influence, or position during the campaign. Barcelona is a member-owned club (socis vote directly), so this is a standard democratic safeguard in their governance.
Key details:
- The resignation was formalized during a routine board meeting, which also officially launched the electoral process.
- Several other board members resigned alongside him for the same reason (to join his re-election ticket or campaign).
- Vice-president Rafa Yuste (Rafael Yuste) has taken over as interim president to handle day-to-day operations until the new term begins (likely July 1, 2026, after the season ends).
- Laporta, who has been in office since March 2021 (his second stint after 2003–2010), is widely seen as the favorite to win re-election against candidates like Víctor Font.
Laporta himself described the move as a "statutory imperative" and expressed pride in his tenure, stating the club is in a better position now despite past challenges. This is not an "end of an era" in the dramatic sense—it's a routine requirement for him to seek another term.
Sources confirming this include official FC Barcelona statements, Reuters, Sports Illustrated, and consistent reporting across football news outlets on the date.