Joan Laporta’s five-year stint as Barcelona president ends this year, and the club has called for a vote. Manager Hansi Flick was asked about his pick, and the German had a straightforward answer.
Hansi Flick Clarifies Position on Barcelona Presidential Race
Barcelona has announced that the 2026 presidential vote will take place on March 15. The current board believes the election should be held as soon as possible this year, though it has the flexibility to delay it until next season.
Flick was talking to the media ahead of their La Liga game against Real Oviedo when he was quizzed about the club’s decision to hold the election in March. The former Bayern Munich manager said it was not part of his job to decide when it should be held, but he added that he spoke with the current president, who explained they wanted it done soon.
When pushed to name the candidate he would be backing this year, Flick said he was only aware of two candidates and had not decided on his pick.
“It’s not my job. The president spoke to me and said as soon as possible is good. We are professionals, and we have to play football. The president wants it that way, and so do we. We have to give it our best shot. I know one or two of the candidates, but I’m focused on my work. I’ll decide who I’ll vote for later.”
Laporta has confirmed that he will run for another term. He will be challenged by Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, Joan Camprubí, and Victor Font, who finished second in the previous election.
Their names are not yet confirmed for the ballot, as they still need to collect signatures from all 2,321 club members backing them in the race. None of the challengers favor holding the election during the ongoing season, with Font stating that the decision favors Laporta and that officials have not considered the players or the club’s congested schedule.
“It’s obvious that the elections have been called when is convenient for Laporta. But we expected it, celebrating elections in the middle of a Champions League tie, so it does not surprise us. We are ready for elections which will be hugely important for the Barça’s future.”
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Laporta has until February to resign from his post, as he is running for re-election at the club.
