Joan Laporta has officially stepped down as president of FC Barcelona, but this is not a sign of turmoil within the club. Instead, it's a strategic move dictated by the club's statutes ahead of the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for March 15.

Laporta's resignation triggers the start of the electoral process, allowing him to seek a fresh mandate from the club members. According to Barcelona's rules, an incumbent president must step down to be eligible for re-election. This regulation aims to ensure fairness and prevent the president from leveraging the club's resources for campaigning.

With Laporta's departure, day-to-day operations will be managed by a management commission until the election results are finalized. Rafa Yuste, the sporting vice-president and a close ally of Laporta, will lead this interim body. Yuste's main goal is to maintain stability and neutrality as the club prepares for the crucial vote. Other directors, including Josep Cubells, Miquel Camps, and Xavier Barbany, will also be part of the interim leadership.

Laporta, who initially assumed office in March 2021 after securing 54 percent of the vote, is seeking a third term as president. His tenure has been marked by controversial financial strategies, the ongoing renovation of Camp Nou, and a resurgence of the team's sporting performance, driven by young talents under coach Hansi Flick. Recently, Laporta has also emphasized Barcelona's withdrawal from the Super League, which he aims to use to highlight his improved relationship with UEFA.

The election campaign is expected to revolve around key issues such as the completion of Camp Nou's redevelopment and the potential return of Lionel Messi. Laporta will likely present himself as the most capable leader to deliver the completed Camp Nou project by 2027 while maintaining the team's competitiveness.

However, he will face challenges from other candidates, including Víctor Font, who finished second in the 2021 election. Font has been advocating for modernization and financial responsibility for the past five years. Marc Ciria, Xavi Vilajoana, and Joan Camprubí Montal have also declared their intention to run.

The election calendar includes a period for candidates to collect signatures, running from February 21 to March 2. Each candidate needs at least 2,321 valid endorsements from club members. After verification, the official candidates will be announced between March 4 and 5, followed by a campaign period from March 6 to 13.

Laporta has called for a respectful exchange of ideas among all candidates during the campaign. He also expressed his hope that the election will be a celebration for the club members. Simultaneously, Barcelona is bidding to host the 2029 UEFA Champions League final at the renovated Camp Nou, and Laporta remains optimistic about the club's chances.