Blaugranas Elections With Match Flavor

The Camp Nou, Historical Stage: Blaugranas Elections with a Match Flavor

An Unprecedented Election Day Marks the Future of FC Barcelona

Today, the XV elections for the presidency of FC Barcelona are not just an appointment with the polls, but an event that breaks the mold. For the first time in the club's history, members will be able to exercise their right to vote while the Camp Nou grass hosts a vibrant meeting. An unprecedented scenario that evokes memories of other election days, such as April 1989, when the polls had already closed their doors two hours before the classic against Real Madrid, a match that saw Romerito's debut and which ended in a 0-0 draw.

That 1989 vote was the first since Josep Lluís Núñez won in 1978. Before that, in 1981 and 1985, the lack of opposition left Núñez as the only candidate. There was also no need for a vote in 1993 or 2006, since, as on previous occasions, Núñez and Laporta respectively, did not find rivals to present a candidacy.

Traveling further back in time, in 1953, the club experienced universal suffrage that, curiously, excluded child and female members, following a regulation from 1952. This regulation was repealed in 1955, and the club returned to the system of election by delegates in 1958, 1961, 1965, 1969 and 1973.

The democratic era in Barça elections began in 1978. Josep Lluís Núñez narrowly won over Ferran Ariño, in a contest that also had Nicolau Casaus in the dispute. Casaus, after placing third, joined the board of directors a few days later. Núñez marked an era, presiding over the club until 2000, when he interrupted his sixth term.

After Núñez, came Joan Gaspart, whose resignation in 2003 opened the doors to Joan Laporta. Laporta, leader of the 'Elefant Blau' movement, had previously participated on Lluís Bassat's list in 2000. His arrival brought new air to the entity.

In 2010, Laporta could not run due to term limits, giving way to the term of Sandro Rosell (2010-2014) and later to Josep Maria Bartomeu (2014-2020), who was re-elected in 2015. Bartomeu resigned in 2020, forcing the calling of elections just before a motion of no confidence was voted. The COVID-19 pandemic marked this process.

Finally, in 2021, Joan Laporta returned to the presidency, closing a cycle and opening a new one. Today, the club faces a new electoral crossroads, with the particularity that the polls coexist with the passion of football at the Camp Nou.

Frequently Asked Questions about the FC Barcelona Elections

When are the XV elections for the presidency of FC Barcelona held?
The elections are held today, March 15, 2026.

Who are the main candidates?
The main candidates are Joan Laporta and Víctor Font.

Is this the first time that the elections coincide with a match at the Camp Nou?
Yes, it is the first time that the polls will be open while a match is being played at the Camp Nou.

What happened in the 1989 elections?
In 1989, the polls closed two hours before the match against Real Madrid, which saw Romerito's debut.

When did Josep Lluís Núñez win the first elections in democracy?
Josep Lluís Núñez won the first elections in democracy on May 6, 1978.

Who replaced Josep Lluís Núñez after his resignation?
Joan Gaspart replaced Josep Lluís Núñez after his resignation in 2003.

When did Joan Laporta return to the presidency?
Joan Laporta returned to the presidency in 2021.

What election system was used before universal suffrage elections?
Before 1953, the system of election by delegates was used.

What did the 1952 regulations mean in the elections?
The 1952 regulations excluded child and female members from universal suffrage.

What event marked the 2021 elections?
The 2021 elections were marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resignation of Bartomeu's board.

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