FC Barcelona returns to competition tomorrow when they host Sevilla FC in Monjuïc (9 p.m.), as part of the 10th day of La Liga. This Saturday is also General Assembly day at the club. The club’s accounts as well as various components are presented to the members, especially since this year the Blaugrans are celebrating their 125th anniversary and various huge projects are underway. We are talking in particular about the work on Camp Nou (1.5 billion euros) which should end in a few weeks with a total capacity of 100,000 people expected in 2026. Moreover, we should no longer say Camp Nou but Espai Barça .
“We were courageous. It will be the best stadium in the world» rejoices Joan Laporta from the outset during his speech to the socios while this new enclosure should allow a considerable increase in income. What followed was much more offensive. In the midst of all the economic data intended to be reassuring for the future, the president elected in 2021 took the opportunity to tackle all the club’s detractors. They are numerous according to him, especially following the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), to force the club to pay a fine of 500,000 euros for non-compliance with financial fair play.
Laporta’s victim speech
For Laporta, the club is fighting against all odds even though he believes he has significantly improved the situation since his arrival. “We have managed not to pay attention to the catastrophic predictions of some. This was an important point which gave us the strength to complete the recovery of the club. The path is not yet coming to an end, but it is true that we are in a better sporting and economic situation than in 2021. This club does not operate by inertia. It works because there are people who work hard and well.» With the departure of certain players, starting with Messi, the club’s payroll, for example, decreased by €170 million.
“We are on the eve of the 125th anniversary, we are building a stadium… I see the culés happy. There are signs the club has been saved. The indicators show it. The majority of us are happy, we have a motivating team. Looking forward to the weekend to see Lewandowski, Lamine, Pedri, Casado, Iñigo… This demonstration of force from Koundé, Balde… We are impatiently awaiting the return of the injured Gavi, Fermín, Araujo, Frenkie, Chirstensen, Ter Stegen. …We had to strengthen our objectives and we did it in record time» boasts Laporta, taking stock of his two-thirds mandate. It is therefore a question of creating enemies to prove yourself stronger.
“They want to destroy us»
“Our anthem says it. We fight against everything and everyone. This is not victimization. We are fighting against those who repeatedly appeal the Negreira case, and we are winning in court. Every time we succeed, and every time they come back. People who are angry because we are winning. They want to destroy us» launches the Barcelona boss without explicitly mentioning these “people”. Their identities are known between UEFA, the Negreira affair, Real Madrid or the enemies from within, these disgruntled sociologists like Víctor Font, former presidential candidate and possible candidate in 2026.
In September, he even called for early elections for next year. “Each day that passes is worse than the last. There are fewer work plans, fewer competent people. To have a project, it is necessary to have competent people» had notably declared the main opponent of Laporta. The latter therefore took advantage of this General Assembly to wring the necks of the Cassandras. “We must fight against these elements where they come from. I’m talking about those in their cave, those who are angry because we won.» The audience appreciates it. Laporta came out to loud applause.
