Former Barcelona presidential candidate slams Laporta’s leadership and calls for early elections | OneFootball

Former FC Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has once again voiced his discontent with Joan Laporta’s leadership, openly criticising the club’s management model.

Speaking on Catalunya Radio (h/t AS), Font accused Laporta of “deceiving members” and prioritising tourists over the club’s loyal fan base.

He also urged that elections be held as soon as possible, insisting that there will be a strong and exciting alternative to Laporta’s leadership.

Font condemns lack of transparency

Font was scathing about the current administration’s direction, highlighting major issues in transparency, finances, and decision-making.

He took issue with the club’s choice to hold the upcoming Delegate Members’ Assembly online, saying,

“This is yet another symptom of the shift away from the social model that the club has unfortunately promoted.

“We are distancing ourselves from our members and putting tourists first. This is the result of inefficient management, a lack of transparency, and deception.”

He also claimed serious irregularities in Barcelona’s financial records. “Last year’s closing figures showed losses of €90 million.

“We asked for a reformulation because there were overvalued assets, but we were ignored.

“This year’s accounts hide a further €80 million in losses that are being reformulated in last year’s accounts, and this has not been disclosed; the Assembly is not aware of it. There is a lack of transparency.”

Font further criticised the club’s decision to select Limak for the Spotify Camp Nou renovation.

“We were told that it would act quickly and with a smaller budget, but that is not the case. Another deception.

“On Sunday, Joan Laporta will have to explain why Limak was selected despite internal reports advising against it, as explained on Monday by the SER radio station.”

He listed other examples of questionable dealings, such as €50 million paid to Darren Dein for mediating with Nike and new transactions involving companies related to New Era and VIP seats, calling them “examples from an endless list of deceptions.”

Support for Hansi Flick

Font has expressed support for Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Font also spoke about the club’s financial losses affecting the sporting side. “We have sold off assets to compensate for more than €1 billion in accumulated losses over recent years.

“This prevents us from registering players. Inigo Martinez was given away, and poor management is having an impact on the pitch.

“Season tickets have gone up 30%, they are limiting membership, and they are damaging the ‘espai d’animació’ and the supporters’ clubs.”

However, he maintained faith in current coach Hansi Flick. “I have 100% confidence in Flick. Losing two games happened last year.

“What worries us is how poor management directly impacts the sporting project. Flick must be amazed,” Font said.

“First, poor management on the tour, he doesn’t know where he will play, he started without having his squad registered, they gave away Íñigo, who was a pillar.

“We are concerned that poor management will impact the sporting project and that it will impact such an important asset.”

Need for change

When asked about his own presidential plans, Font said he envisions a united and transparent approach.

“We have to build an exciting alternative, and when the moment of truth arrives, it will exist.

“It will represent all sectors of the club and present Barça as the best universal multi-sport institution. It will not depend on a single person.”

Ultimately, he concluded by stressing the urgency of early elections. “We need elections as soon as possible.

“The members will fight to ensure that the social model does not change and that the club is once again managed efficiently and responsibly.”