Barcelona is one of the most well-known football clubs in the world. It has a rich history and a loyal fan base that spans the globe.
However, many people are not aware of the ownership structure of this famous club. In this article, we will explore whether Barcelona is privately owned or not.
What is Private Ownership?
Before we dive into whether Barcelona is privately owned or not, it’s important to understand what private ownership means. Private ownership refers to something that is owned by an individual or a group of individuals, rather than being owned by the government or a public entity.
The Ownership Structure of Barcelona
Barcelona is actually owned by its members. This means that it is not privately owned in the traditional sense of the term.
Instead, it operates as a cooperative. The club’s official name is Futbol Club Barcelona, and it has over 140,000 members who own and run the club.
What does Membership Entail?
Becoming a member of Barcelona isn’t as simple as buying a ticket to watch a match. To become a member, you have to go through an application process and pay an annual fee. Once you’re a member, you can participate in the club’s decision-making processes and vote on important matters such as who should be on the board of directors.
The Board of Directors
The board of directors at Barcelona is responsible for making major decisions about the club’s operations and finances. The board consists of 20 members who are elected by the club’s members every six years. The president of the board is elected separately and serves for six years as well.
The Role of Private Investors
Even though Barcelona operates as a cooperative and isn’t privately owned in the traditional sense, there are still private investors who contribute financially to the club. These investors can’t own the club, but they can invest in its commercial activities. For example, Nike and Rakuten are two of Barcelona’s major sponsors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Barcelona is not privately owned in the traditional sense of the term. Instead, it is owned and run by its members as a cooperative.
While private investors can contribute financially to the club, they can’t own it or make any major decisions about its operations or finances. This ownership structure has helped Barcelona maintain its independence and stay true to its roots as a club owned by its fans.