Presidential Showdown, Sevilla Clash & Rashford Doubts: March 14, 2026
Barcelona faces crucial weekend with Laporta-Font election battle and Sevilla match sandwiched between Champions League ties. Doubts emerge over Rashford's permanent transfer.
Laporta vs Font: Presidential Battle Reaches Climax
FC Barcelona's presidential election reaches its decisive moment this Sunday, March 15, as incumbent Joan Laporta faces challenger Víctor Font in what has become an increasingly tense campaign. The voting will take place exclusively in-person at the Spotify Camp Nou, coinciding with the team's LaLiga match against Sevilla.
Font closed his campaign with approximately 200 supporters chanting "¡presidente, presidente!" at his headquarters, promising that "starting Monday, the members who have spent decades hearing that Barça belongs to everyone, that will begin to change." He has criticized the current leadership, stating "Barça is being led with little honesty" and raising controversies about Messi, talent drain, and agent commissions.
Laporta responded forcefully in his final campaign event, notably defending sporting director Deco against Font's attacks. "I feel [bad about] all the nonsense they've said about you, Deco," Laporta declared, requesting an ovation for his embattled director. The current president appears confident, having taken what observers describe as a "victory lap" at his campaign closing.
The election will determine whether Font becomes the new president or if Laporta extends his tenure toward 17 total years across two periods leading the club.
Sevilla Visit Sandwiched Between Newcastle Ties
Barcelona hosts Sevilla this Sunday in LaLiga's matchday 28, with the fixture awkwardly positioned between the first and second legs of their Champions League round-of-16 clash against Newcastle United. Hansi Flick faces selection dilemmas, particularly regarding whether to rest star winger Lamine Yamal.
Four Barcelona players risk suspension for next week's crucial Valencia match if they receive yellow cards against Sevilla, adding another layer of complexity to Flick's team selection. Sevilla forward Akor Adams told MARCA that "in football you can make history in every match" ahead of the Camp Nou visit.
Flick has received widespread praise this week, with analysts suggesting the German manager "is a genius" who has "increased the value of all his players" through his tactical approach and player development.
Rashford Transfer Doubts Emerge
Questions are emerging about Marcus Rashford's permanent transfer to Barcelona, with Manchester United reportedly "rubbing their hands" over doubts from Laporta's camp. The former president allegedly suggested they could renegotiate the purchase option on the English forward, complicating what was expected to be a straightforward deal. Meanwhile, Deco's main target for the summer transfer window has been revealed as planning intensifies for next season.
Gavi's Crucial Return
21-year-old midfielder Gavi is working toward his latest comeback after suffering two serious knee injuries at such a young age. "The risk is not the fear," the young star declared, demonstrating the mental maturity forced upon him by his injury struggles. His return is described as "ultra-necessary" for Barcelona's ambitions, though it comes with asterisks given his injury history.
Around LaLiga
Real Madrid hosts Elche on Saturday night with manager Álvaro Arbeloa unable to rotate his squad ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City. Villarreal salvaged a stoppage-time equalizer at Alavés (1-1), ruining Quique Sánchez Flores' home debut and extending Los Babazorros' winless streak to seven matches.
