Barcelona have made a special plea to UEFA with Marcus Rashford's future still up in the air
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford's Barcelona future is still up in the air(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Barcelona have submitted an unusual request to UEFA concerning their forthcoming presidential elections, which could have implications for Marcus Rashford's future at the Catalan club.
The elections are scheduled for Sunday, March 15, deliberately coinciding with their La Liga home fixture against Sevilla to maximise member turnout. The timing of that match has been uncertain due to Barcelona's Champions League commitments, with the club set to play their last-16 second leg on either Tuesday, March 16 or Wednesday, March 17.
Typically, if Barcelona were allocated the Tuesday slot, the preceding league fixture would be moved forward to the Saturday. However, with club officials determined to hold the elections on a matchday, they have requested a Wednesday Champions League date instead, according to ESPN Deportes (via Sport).
Should UEFA approve the request, the first leg would take place on Tuesday, March 10. Paris Saint-Germain or Newcastle United are likely to be their opponents after both secured away victories in their play-off round first legs.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
The elections could prove crucial to Rashford's future as he seeks to make his loan move from Manchester United permanent. Currently, Barcelona, who hold a £26million option to buy, are eager to retain Rashford beyond this season, either through extending his loan or completing a permanent transfer.
However, one of president Joan Laporta's rival candidates has suggested the club should prioritise homegrown talent over Rashford. Xavier Vilajoana, one of three challengers to Laporta, has championed 19-year-old Virgili, with Barcelona holding a buy-back option on the Mallorca winger.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 10: FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta looks on during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907 at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Joan Laporta faces competition for the Barcelona presidency(Image: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Vilajoana told ESPN: "I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I've always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have.
"For example, I want to give the example of Jan Virgili, who is currently playing for Mallorca. He's a great winger. I would maybe look at [exercising the clause to re-sign him] as an option, for example, rather than paying the Rashford clause."
Vilajoana hasn't completely ruled out retaining Rashford should he win the election, adding: "That said, it's not just the president who arrives and makes the decision. The president arrives, puts things on the table, alternatives are considered, it's discussed and a decision is made.
"What I am clear on is that if [signing Rashford] is considered to be the best decision from a sporting point of view, the money will be there to make it happen."
Rashford has been absent from Barcelona's last three matches due to a knee problem. Hansi Flick's side host Villarreal on Saturday.