Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa are a trio of candidates in the race to be named president.
The trio of the candidates in the race of Barcelona presidency elections
Three candidates are running to become president of Barcelona after Emili Rousaud withdrew from the electoral process. Rousaud announced that he was no longer able to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu. Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa are a trio of candidates in the race to be named president. Laporta had 9625 signatures verified, while 4431 and 2634 were verified for Font and Freixa, respectively, in the election verification process on Sunday, January 24. Emili Rousaud said that he no longer wants to participate in a “dirty war” for the right to replace Bartomeu.
Joan Laporta wants to celebrate 125 years at the new Camp Nou with Lionel Messi
He said: “It was a day of impressive delicacy because, to my surprise, the most decision was not to agree to join another candidacy, because we cannot tolerate a dirty war and prefer to stay away. Our sporting and economic plans were the best.” Joan Laporta is considered the overwhelming favourite to return to the office, having previously served as president during a golden age for Barça, which gave four LaLiga titles and two Champions League crowns. As he revealed, the candidate has two priorities for a second presidency: to expand Camp Nou,” and ensure that Lionel Messi is there to see it. “I wish we would celebrate 125 years at the new Camp Nou and with Leo with us. The stadium’s question is not easy because it takes two years to build it.
“Messi’s question is simpler than the stadium. It would be very nice to celebrate this ceremony with him. And it would be a good final fireworks display”. When asked why he is best able to persuade Messi to remain in the Barça books. Laporta replied: “Because I speak the truth, I am the one with the most experience and determination and the most trust in his eyes. It fills me with admiration that he tells me that everything I told him has come true. That gives me a position. Suppose I am the president of Barcelona, which is one reason. In that case, I will see what I can offer him within the club’s possibilities regarding finances. And what interests Leo from a sporting point of view. Leo wants to win the Champions League again with Barça. And we have to make him make sure that this will be possible.”