Barcelona, Spain – Today, March 15, 2026, marks a pivotal day for FC Barcelona as members head to the polls to elect their next president. The election pits incumbent Joan Laporta against Víctor Font, offering supporters a choice between continuity and a new vision for the storied club. Voting is underway at five locations: Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, as well as polling stations in Girona, Tarragona, Lleida, and Andorra la Vella.
A total of 14,504 FC Barcelona members with voting rights are eligible to participate in the election, which will determine the club’s leadership for the next five years. The ballot boxes will remain open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Central European Time (CET), providing ample opportunity for members to cast their votes. This election follows a process where candidates needed to gather a minimum of 2,337 signatures to qualify, a threshold successfully met by both Laporta and Font, as confirmed by FC Barcelona’s official website.
The electoral process is designed to be inclusive, with eligibility extending to members of legal age who have held membership for at least one year and have no current suspensions or legal incapacitations. FC Barcelona emphasizes a governance model centered on member ownership and direct participation, encouraging all eligible members to exercise their right to vote. The club views this election as a collective expression of commitment and belonging, with voting seen as a way to strengthen the member-centric decision-making process.
Voting During the Match: A Unique Opportunity
In a move to maximize participation, FC Barcelona has arranged for members to vote even during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC, which kicks off at 4:15 pm CET at Spotify Camp Nou. Stadium gates will open at 2:15 pm CET, two hours before the match, and members are encouraged to arrive early. Access to the voting area within the stadium will be through Gates 9 (Avinguda Joan XXIII), 12, and 15 (Avinguda Aristides Maillol), with signage guiding voters to their designated seats before or after voting.
Polling Station Details and Table Distribution
Members have the flexibility to vote at any of the five polling stations, regardless of their registered address. Here’s a breakdown of the locations and the number of voting tables at each:
- Barcelona (Spotify Camp Nou): 110 tables
- Girona (Casa de Cultura, Plaza del Hospital 6): 5 tables
- Tarragona (Palacio de la Diputación, Passeig de Sant Antoni 100): 4 tables
- Lleida (Delegation of the Catalan Football Federation, Calle Riu Besòs 8): 2 tables
- Andorra la Vella (Congress Centre, Plaça del Poble s/n): 1 table
In total, 122 voting tables have been set up across all locations to facilitate a smooth and efficient voting process.
The Candidates and Recent Debate
The election centers on two key figures: Joan Laporta, who previously served as president from 2003 to 2010 and again from 2021, and Víctor Font, who was a runner-up in the 2021 election. Recent debates between the two candidates have focused on the club’s sporting direction, with Laporta defending his current project and criticizing the previous era under Xavi Hernández, while Font has presented his alternative vision. According to BarcaBuzz, Laporta argued that the arrival of Hansi Flick demonstrated a require for change on the bench, suggesting the team is performing better under the German coach than it did under Xavi. The debate also touched upon the financial health of the club and the performance of its various sporting sections, including basketball and women’s football.
The race to the presidency has been closely watched, with both Laporta and Font having successfully gathered the required signatures to stand as candidates. BarcaUniversal confirms that Laporta submitted 8,169 signatures, while Font submitted 5,144, both exceeding the 2,337 signature requirement. Marc Ciria, who also initially met the signature threshold, was ultimately disqualified after a significant portion of his submissions were deemed invalid, as reported by SPORT.
As the day unfolds, the focus remains on member participation and the future direction of FC Barcelona. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape the club’s strategy and ambitions for years to come.
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