Resignation without departure — how Barcelona’s election rules work? | OneFootball

The legal reason behind Laporta’s decision

Resignation without departure — how Barcelona’s election rules work?

Barcelona announced the resignation of president Joan Laporta and the full board as legal step before the club’s upcoming elections.

Why Barcelona announced the resignations

Barcelona caused surprise after publishing official statement on Monday via its account on X confirming the resignation of Joan Laporta and all members of the board of directors.

The announcement came just weeks before the club’s general assembly and presidential elections leading to confusion among fans and media.

However reports from Catalan newspapers clarified that the move is normal legal procedure and does not mean Laporta has stepped away from running the club.

A legal step before the elections

According to reports, Laporta has not left his duties as president. The resignation is required under Barcelona’s statutes for any sitting president who wishes to run for new term.

Article 42 of the club’s bylaws states that the president must formally resign in order to present his candidacy again.

Laporta has already confirmed his intention to seek another term which explains the timing of the decision.

The presidential elections are scheduled for Sunday 15 March while the new term would officially begin on 1 July.

Board continues its work

Barcelona confirmed that the resignation request was received during the regular board meeting where the official call for elections was also announced.

In its statement, the club said that once the resignations were formalized, the new board continued its meeting as planned.

Preparations for the elections were placed at the top of the agenda.

Despite the resignations, all board members will continue their duties until the end of the current mandate on 30 June ensuring stability during the transition period.

What happens next at the Club

Even if the elections produce a new president on 15 March, the incoming board will not take full control until after 30 June.

Laporta remains the leading candidate and could start a new term from 1 July if re-elected.

On the sporting side, Barcelona remain in strong position.

The club has qualified for Champions League round of 16, reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals and currently sit top of La Liga with 55 point, one point ahead of Real Madrid.