November 25 – Joan Laporta, who led Barcelona between 2003 and 2010, is set to announce that he will run for a second term as club president in succession to the much-maligned Josep Maria Bartomeu, who resigned last month under pressure from players, supporters and fellow board members.
Also due to announce his candidacy for the January 24 election is electricity entrepreneur and former Barca vice-president Emili Rousaud, one of six board members who resigned in April. Seven other contenders have already announced their intention to run.
Following a relatively barren spell, Laporta oversaw two Champions League titles as well as four league titles at Barca.
But despite his previous success, the Catalan lawyer is not considered favourite. That honour goes to Victor Font. Whoever takes over from Bartomeu will inherit significant turmoil on and off the field, not least severe financial difficulties and trying to convince Lionel Messi to stay.
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