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Bartomeu faces a vote of no confidence after turbulent times at Camp Nou, including the showdown with club legend Lionel Messi, who was unable to leave this summer.
The president of Barcelona, Josep Maria Bartomeu, smiles during the official presentation of the new Dutch coach Ronald Koeman at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on August 19, 2020. Image: AFP
BARCELONA – Under pressure, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu suggested Monday that “now would be the worst time” to step down.
Bartomeu faces a vote of no confidence after turbulent times at Camp Nou, including the showdown with club legend Lionel Messi, who was unable to leave this summer.
Speaking after a council meeting, Bartomeu said: “There are many problems. I think it would be the worst time to leave Barça in the hands of an interim board of directors.”
A provisional board would assume control until new elections in the event that Bartomeu resigned.
A petition against him approved the 16,250 signatures required last month.
In the referendum that Bartomeu wants to be held on November 15/16, his opponents will need two-thirds of the votes cast to remove him.
Presidential elections are likely to be held in January or February, slightly ahead of the March scheduled date. Bartomeu does not run.
His departure could affect Messi’s future, who explained in September how the way the club is run had been a key reason for his attempt to leave.
Víctor Font is one of the main candidates to succeed Bartomeu and has linked his campaign to the arrival of former Messi teammate Xavi Hernández as manager, although Font suggested this week that Ronald Koeman could also continue with Xavi assuming a different role.
Joan Laporta, the president who appointed Pep Guardiola coach in 2008, is also in the race.
Bartomeu’s opponents want to stage the referendum next week, but coronavirus social distancing restrictions could mean that the vote takes place in Spain at the end of November.
“When we receive the official response from the regional government (on when the referendum can be held) the board will meet again” to make a decision, added Bartomeu.
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