Accusation directed at Joan Laporta comes as tension rises ahead of next year’s presidential elections
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has been accused of financial mismanagement and mishandling of the club in the latest leadership uproar.
Former presidential contender Victor Font claimed that Laporta has hidden losses of up to €80m in the club’s latest accounts.
“Last year’s closing reflected losses of €90m,” Font said on Catalunya Radio. “We asked for a restatement because there were overvalued assets, and we were ignored.
“This year’s accounts hide €80m more in losses that are restatements in last year’s accounts, and this hasn’t been mentioned. The Assembly isn’t aware of it. There’s a lack of transparency.”
Font also raised doubts over the prolonged return to the Spotify Camp Nou, saying the infrastructure contract was mishandled from the beginning.
The accusations relate to the selection of Turkish construction firm Limak for the Camp Nou renovation, a decision that was hugely controversial at the time.
“We were told they would act quickly and with a smaller budget, but that’s not the case,” said Font. “Another deception.
“On Sunday, Joan Laporta will have to explain why Limak was selected despite internal reports that advised against it, as explained by the SER radio station on Monday.”
Laporta’s predecessor, Josep Maria Bartomeu, was ousted by a motion of censure in 2020, on accusations of mismanagement that made him hugely unpopular. Font also called for Laporta to be replaced. Barcelona’s next presidential election is in 2026.
“We need elections as soon as possible,” said Font, who is expected to run against Laporta again next year. “The members will fight to ensure that the social model does not change and that the club is once again managed efficiently and responsibly.”
Font also said Laporta’s actions were hurting the team and could ultimately derail the sporting project.
“Flick must be hallucinating,” said Font. “First, the mismanagement on the tour – he doesn’t know where he’ll play. He started without having his squad registered.
“They gave away Inigo [Martinez], who was a pillar. We are concerned that the poor management will impact the sporting project and such an important asset.”
