Joan Laporta has stepped down as Barcelona’s president. His resignation is in line with the club’s statutes, which require that the incumbent president and any board members who wish to re-contest in elections must first resign from their positions.

Article 42.f of the club’s statutes is intended to ensure that the electoral process is fair, preventing sitting officials from using their current authority or resources to gain an advantage.

The club is set to hold its election on March 15, and with Laporta’s resignation, a management commission will oversee the day-to-day running of the club in the meantime.

That commission will be led by Rafa Yuste, who has been one of Laporta’s vice presidents since his election in 2021.

Laporta will contest the presidency with Víctor Font, Marc Ciria, Xavier Vilajoana, and Joan Camprubí, all of whom have announced their candidacies.

As part of the requirements to qualify as a candidate for the presidency, all aspirants are expected to secure 2,321 signatures from club members as a testament to support for their candidacy.

The campaign trail will now begin in earnest, with some of the issues which may sway votes likely to include potential summer signings, the club's finances, the redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou, which is now in the final stages, and any future role for Lionel Messi at the club.

Laporta was elected in 2021 for a second spell as Barça president, having previously held the role between 2003 and 2010, courtesy of election wins in 2003 and 2006.

He finished ahead of Font five years ago after obtaining 30,184 votes to Font's 16,679, with Toni Freixa, who is not running this time, finishing third with 4,769 votes.