After blast at Joan Laporta, what role can Xavi play in Barça presidential election? | OneFootball

Xavi’s broadside at Joan Laporta has jolted Barcelona’s presidential race, raising whether the Barça great can sway Sunday’s vote.

"If Leo did not return to Barça, it was because the president did not want him, not La Liga or money, that is a lie", Xavi said. He told La Vanguardia. Earlier, both Messi and Xavi had said Messi stayed away to avoid pressure.

A close friend of Victor Font, the sole challenger to Laporta, Xavi attended Font’s launch and supplied his socio signature. He is not in Font’s plan and says he now prefers a national-team role: "My chapter as Barça coach is over".

In Monday’s first debate, Laporta said he was disappointed by Xavi and snapped: "The same players who were losing with him are now winning with Hansi Flick".

Xavi won La Liga in 2023 in his first full season, then said in January he would leave after a 3-5 loss to Villarreal. He reversed in April at Laporta’s request, before being sacked in May on the advice of Alejandro Echevarria, the president’s former brother-in-law.

Font’s bid has also been boosted by only two candidacies being validated, with four others short of signatures. Xavi’s intervention may narrow Laporta’s poll lead, though socios often favour stability. The verdict arrives on Sunday night.

Source: L'Équipe