Victor Font and Joan Laporta clashed Thursday night in a heated debate, which may be their last chance to win the hearts and minds of members before Sunday’s election. By popular vote, the members of Barcelona will have a choice between the two who will elect the president for the next five years.
Laporta is running for the fourth position, and is playing the continuity card, saying that his presence is the only way to guarantee Hansi Flick’s position as manager. On the other hand, Font, who was his closest rival in 2021, is fighting on the grounds that Barcelona’s financial stability threatens Barcelona’s sustainability.
🚨 Ronald Araújo also invited Marc-André ter Stegen to dinner at his house last night. The goalkeeper, who was injured and was on loan from Girona FC, did not hesitate and accepted the invitation. [@DBR8] pic.twitter.com/9oKl0CLFeU
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 13, 2026
A technocrat from Barcelona looked after the guests
Laporta has been on the attack since the beginning of the debate, and he wanted to make Font look like someone who has no real experience of the job.
“Font denies the obvious and lies. He is a technocrat who works behind a computer. He wants to destroy everything we have built,” said Sport. One of the questions asked by Laporta’s management in recent years is the long delay in the renovation of the Camp Nou.
“The plan is to have a ceiling in 2028. These plans are not an exact science; there are unforeseen circumstances. 80% of the capacity will be for season ticket holders, and there will be another 5,000 on the waiting list. Non-season ticket holders will receive a 50% discount on tickets.”
Meanwhile, Font revealed that Laporta has increased the prices for fans and members who are associated with the game.
“On Sunday, we have to choose between a model of conflict and a president who gives out membership cards, takes care of visitors, and criminalizes part of the fans; Barca who restricts us or who cannot be prevented.”
“The current economic system depends on tourism. A member who wants to go to a game has to spend a lot of money.”
‘We will not have fascists in Barcelona’ – Font
Another important point of departure between the two is Deco and Alejandro Echevarria. Laporta credited his sporting director for building a successful side, and defended his job.
“Victor Font bases his campaign on lies. He wants to replace Deco with three people. Deco’s departure threatens Hansi Flick’s job security. This shows a complete lack of understanding of how things work. Deco is better than Mateu Alemany [his predecessor]. Alemany knows as much about football as I do. He built a squad, he revived a generation of young players. There is a working framework.”
On the other hand, Font attacked Laporta’s brother-in-law, who resigned from the Barcelona board after he was found to be a patron of the Francisco Franco Foundation. With Laporta’s return to power in 2021, Echevarria returned as an unofficial adviser and fixer.
“Deco is a colleague of Alejandro Echevarria which is his main qualification to be the sports director of Barca, he replaced the son of Johan Cruyff who left behind, and Mateu Alemany. [referring to Echevarria].”
Erling Haaland to speak
Font also said he is negotiating the right of first refusal on Erling Haaland.
“We had to give Inigo Martinez, and we really miss him this year. We are negotiating the option to buy Erling Haaland when he wants to leave Manchester City.”
“The Haaland thing is a complete lie, he is already sad. Take revenge on him. You have no shame,” said Laporta in response, referring to a message from Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta.
Lionel Messi’s question
One of the biggest criticisms of Laporta’s management this time has been the reality and the way Lionel Messi came out. Laporta ran on the pitch promising Messi’s continuation last week, while Font said he would try to bring him back.
“To say that Messi has passed is to underestimate the best player in history. Messi is the present and the future. We will give him the position of president. Flick and the sports director, will decide how his career should end.”
Laporta’s relationship with Messi and his family deteriorated after that, but he has denied that Xavi Hernandez vetoed a deal to bring him back in 2023.
“Messi deserves a statue; he has been the best player in history. However, Barca fans want to focus on the present. We will not use him like others.”
Barcelona face Sevilla on Sunday, and members will have the chance to vote on the day of the match. Laporta is a heavy favorite to win, but Font is generally seen to do well in the debate, especially given Laporta’s excellent speaking skills.
