Barcelona, Spain – As FC Barcelona prepares for Sunday’s presidential election, candidate Víctor Font laid out a comprehensive plan on Friday to revitalize the club’s often-overlooked non-football sections – basketball, handball, roller hockey, and futsal. Font’s proposal centers on a significant structural overhaul, aiming to restore competitiveness and financial stability to these historically significant parts of the club.
“The multi-sport character of Barça is not a luxury or a burden, it’s a fundamental part of what makes this club different,” Font stated, emphasizing his commitment to shifting the perception of the sections from a financial drain to a source of pride, and success. He added that, “Starting Monday, the sections will cease to be a second priority. The neglect that has occurred in recent years must conclude.”
A New Management Model
A core tenet of Font’s plan is the elimination of the traditional role of a board member responsible for each individual section. He argues this model is outdated and ineffective in the modern sporting landscape. “The Barça of the past is over. The era of a director responsible for basketball, handball, or futsal is finished,” Font declared. “That might have made sense years ago, but it doesn’t in 2026.”
Instead, Font proposes creating a professional structure led by a General Director of Sections, responsible for coordinating all non-football sporting activities. To illustrate the type of profile he seeks, Font highlighted Jordi Bertomeu, the former CEO of EuroLeague, who was present at the event. “We would love to have someone with his profile, a person who understands professional sports and major international leagues,” Font explained, adding that securing Bertomeu’s services would be a priority if he wins the election.
Specific Appointments for Each Section
Font’s team detailed specific appointments within this new structure. Toni Jané is slated to coordinate the basketball section, while Txus Lahoz would capture the helm of futsal. Nando Pujalte is proposed to lead roller hockey, and the handball section would be entrusted to two club legends: Víctor Tomàs and David Barrufet. Font stressed the importance of bringing back talent and experience deeply rooted in the club’s history.
Addressing the Financial Deficit
Font acknowledged the significant financial challenges facing the sections, estimating a structural deficit of approximately €40 million annually. He believes a more professional management approach will be key to reversing this trend. “With better budget management and better exploitation of the commercial assets of the sections, One can eliminate this deficit and ensure competitive teams that can win titles in Europe again,” he asserted.
He pointed to the lack of sponsorship on the basketball court as a prime example of missed opportunity. “Barça is one of the few EuroLeague teams without advertising in the center of the court. That demonstrates there hasn’t been a professional structure dedicated to generating revenue,” he explained, contrasting the situation with clubs like Bayern Munich.
Concerns Regarding the New Palau
Font’s campaign also touched upon the ongoing project for a new Palau Blaugrana, the club’s indoor sports arena. Members of his team revealed that the club previously received a proposal from international investors willing to fully finance the construction of the new arena, estimated at a cost of €350 million. According to Font’s team, this proposal was presented to the previous board but ultimately rejected, with the club opting to self-finance the project.
Font argued that the new arena should be developed as one of Europe’s premier sporting venues, partnering with specialized firms experienced in building such facilities. “We don’t just want a new Palau, we want the best Palau in Europe,” he stated.
Restoring Institutional Influence
The candidate also criticized what he perceives as a decline in FC Barcelona’s influence within European sporting governing bodies. “The level of institutional influence of Barça today is zero. And that’s incredible for a club of this dimension,” he said.
Call to Participation
In a final push before the election, Font urged club members to participate in the voting process, warning that low turnout would undermine the legitimacy of the outcome. “Less than 50,000 members voting would be a disaster for the institution,” he affirmed, encouraging a strong showing at the polls on Sunday to determine the club’s future.
The election between Font and incumbent Joan Laporta is expected to be closely contested, with Lionel Messi’s potential return frequently cited as a key issue. [1] The outcome will undoubtedly shape the direction of FC Barcelona for years to come, not just for its famed football team, but for its entire multi-sport organization.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the FC Barcelona presidential election on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Results are expected to be announced later that evening. Stay tuned to Archysport for full coverage and analysis.
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