Overview
- Joan Laporta was officially sworn in as FC Barcelona president on Wednesday and unveiled a 22-member board to begin his new five-year term.
- At his inauguration Laporta publicly criticised Real Madrid leadership and dismissed Madrid’s recent dossier to UEFA as “just another tantrum” that he says will not succeed.
- Payments to José María Enríquez Negreira have been confirmed by reporting, but Barcelona says the purpose and effect of those payments remain disputed and the matter is active in ordinary courts while Real Madrid has asked UEFA to investigate.
- Sporting priorities outlined by Laporta include signing a world-class centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski and continuing Hansi Flick’s project, with Julián Álvarez among reported targets and new signing Anthony Gordon already in place.
- Laporta made finishing the Spotify Camp Nou works and strengthening club finances a central goal, noting the third tier and roof remain to be completed through 2027 and that stadium revenue and regulatory clearance will affect future player registrations and budgeting.