Crisis in the Barcelona board as key figures unhappy with Laporta’s management

The year 2024 has not been an easy one for FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta – from tackling the Negreira case, to seeing the men’s first-team finish without a trophy and sacking a club legend in Xavi Hernandez, with the handling of the situation being very disappointing.

Things looked to have taken a turn for the positive under Laporta’s newest managerial appointment – Hansi Flick.

But the sharp decline in form in recent weeks and the registration issues of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor have once again turned the atmosphere somewhat gloomy.

Crisis in the boardroom

Not only that, now journalist Marsal Llorente is reporting that Laporta is facing problems inside his Barcelona boardroom, where a crisis appears to be brewing.

Rafael Yuste, the vice-president of sports at Barcelona, seen as one of Laporta’s closest aides since his return to the club in 2021, is said to be feeling ignored and overlooked by the president, who seems to be now favouring Joan Soler.

Meanwhile, Juli Guiu, the marketing vice-president of Barça, is said to be unhappy and hurt by Laporta because he brought in Darren Dein to close the Nike deal when it was he who reached the agreement with the kit manufacturers.

Furthermore, the report adds that there are several other directors who criticise the improvisation and personalistic nature of Laporta’s management.

As such, some resignations from the board are not entirely ruled out, although many are expected to continue because of the privileges that come with being a Barça director.

Either way, with the presidential elections not far away, Laporta could find himself under pressure if the situation is not mitigated.