Who Owns Barcelona?

By Anna Duncan

Barcelona is one of the most iconic cities in Spain, known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and world-renowned football club. However, have you ever wondered who actually owns Barcelona FC? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some insight into the ownership structure of this beloved football club.

Background:

Barcelona FC was founded in 1899 by a group of Swiss, English, and Spanish football enthusiasts. Since then, it has become one of the most successful clubs in football history, winning numerous domestic and international titles over the years. The club has also become a symbol of Catalan identity and culture.

The Ownership Structure:

Barcelona FC operates as a registered association that is owned by its members, known as socios. These socios are essentially fans who have bought a membership to the club and have voting rights to elect the president and board of directors.

The president is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the club while the board of directors consists of individuals who manage different aspects such as finances, marketing, and player transfers. The president and board are elected every six years by the socios through a democratic election process.

The Current President:

Since 2010, Barcelona FC has been led by Josep Maria Bartomeu. He was re-elected for a second term in 2015 but resigned in October 2020 amidst controversy surrounding his leadership style and strained relationships with players.

Ownership Controversies:

Despite being owned by its members, there have been controversies over external influence on Barcelona FC’s ownership structure. In recent years, there have been allegations that some wealthy individuals or groups have attempted to buy influence within the club through their financial contributions or political connections.

One such controversy involved former president Sandro Rosell who was arrested on charges related to money laundering and bribery in connection with the club’s signing of Brazilian player Neymar. It was alleged that Rosell received illegal commissions from the transfer fee paid to Neymar’s former club, Santos.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Barcelona FC is owned by its members who have voting rights to elect the president and board of directors. This ownership structure has helped the club maintain its independence and strong ties to its fanbase. However, there have been controversies over external influences on the club’s ownership, highlighting the need for continued transparency and accountability within football clubs.