An internal discussion is taking shape within Barcelona over one of the most important decisions facing the club in the coming months, which is the date of the next presidential elections.
According to a report from SPORT, while the process is moving forward, there is still no final agreement within the board of directors.
As per the outlet, at the centre of the debate is Joan Laporta’s preferred timeline.
The current president is understood to favour holding the elections in March, but that view is not unanimously shared across his governing team.
Instead, a wide range of possible dates remains on the table, stretching from mid-March to as late as mid-June.
What’s the story?
The issue remains unresolved and must be formally evaluated by the board of directors.
That discussion is expected to take place at the next board meeting scheduled for the end of January, although the club has not yet confirmed an exact date for that gathering.
Within Laporta’s board, opinions are divided. Some directors believe bringing the elections forward to March would provide clarity and stability sooner rather than later.
Joan Laporta, Barcelona president
There is no unanimity over the election dates. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Others argue that waiting until June would allow the season to play out fully, ensuring that sporting and financial outcomes are known before members head to the polls.
One date that briefly surfaced in internal conversations was the weekend of April 11 or 12, which coincides with the second-round derby against Espanyol.
However, that option now appears to have been ruled out, largely due to logistical concerns surrounding such a high-profile fixture.
So what now?
Despite the uncertainty, Barcelona’s laws offer some guidance. The club is required to announce the elections with enough notice to ensure they are held before the current term expires.
While no specific timeframe is written into the rules, the traditional practice has been to provide at least 33 days’ notice.
So if March 15 were chosen as the election date, the official announcement would need to be made by February 10 at the latest.
That is why the upcoming board meeting is seen as decisive. Any further delay could push the process beyond March by default.