In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu floated out the idea that the presidential elections could be moved up to April of 2021. I know that still feels like a lifetime away, but Culés can expect this race to heat up and candidates step more into the limelight.
Bartomeu cannot continue as President, and the man or woman who replaces him is going to have quite the laundry list. They will need to prioritize fixing the financial issues of the club – an impossible task, but they will at least need to have a plan. They will also be in charge of the club during the twilight of Messi’s career and ushering in the next chapter of the club’s history. Seem like an impossible job yet?
That said, the new President will not be able to just come in change every aspect of the club on day one. On the most recent edition of The Barcelona Podcast, Francesc and I discussed what it would mean for the club to move up the elections.
Listen to The Barcelona Podcast here:
As far as the candidates go, Victor Font has made it clear that he wants to be the president of FC Barcelona and his Sí al Futur campaign has picked up some steam – at least on social media. His connection to Xavi and endorsement from the Blaugrana legend is another major talking point concerning his candidacy.
Back in 2018, former president Joan Laporta (2003-2010) said he was interested in running again, and a recent poll had him as the overwhelming favorite to get the job again.
Jordi Roche has been floated out as another name and has at least recently had the support of Sandro Rosell and Bartomeu, but his commitment to run is still up in the air. Other names that could factor in to the mix are Toni Freixa, Agustí Benedito, or Emili Rousaud.
If you feel like you’ve been hearing about the elections for months – you have. But buckle up, because the push to elect the next President of FC Barcelona is still just beginning.
Dan Hilton is an American journalist, broadcaster, and current Editor-in-Chief of BarcaBlog. Extensive work as a play-by-play broadcaster, producer behind the scenes, and quite average player in his younger years has given him a well-rounded and informative perspective on the sport. Alongside BarcaBlog founder Francesc, Dan started The Barcelona Podcast in 2017.
