In a strategic move to reorganize the Catalan club, FC Barcelona’s board of directors has announced the opening of the presidential election process, scheduled for March 15th of next year.
This step coincides with Joan Laporta’s preparations to resign from the Barcelona presidency next week, leaving the role “temporarily” to his loyal right-hand man, Rafa Yuste.
Who is Rafa Yuste?
Yuste will assume the role of club president until July 1st. He is a familiar face within the corridors of Camp Nou, but what is known about this “shadow man”?
His relationship with Laporta began at the age of five at the “Marist” school. This relationship later evolved from school desks to managing one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Yuste is considered one of the key supporters of the decision to appoint Pep Guardiola as the team’s coach in 2008, having closely monitored his work with the reserve team.
Away from the football pitch, Yuste is an international businessman and co-founder of the company AQIPA Iberia, possessing commercial experience spanning from America to Asia since 1983.
Limited Powers and Legal Hurdles
Yuste will take the reins starting next Monday. However, his mission will not be one of “absolute authority”; regulations stipulate that interim presidents are only to ensure daily operations, without entering into strategic deals or major financial commitments.
On another front, both Yuste and Laporta are dealing with some controversial files, the most prominent being the ongoing investigations into the “Core Store SL” case linked to Rios club. This case, recently reopened, places additional pressure on the current administration during the electoral race period.
Barcelona’s Upcoming Roadmap:
Next Monday: Rafa Yuste assumes the duties of interim president.
March 15th: The popular vote day to choose the new president.
July 1st: The official handover of the presidency and the start of the new administrative era.
It is noteworthy that Joan Laporta will resign from the Barcelona presidency next week in preparation for his re-election campaign against competitors such as Victor Font, Xavi Vilajoana, and Marc Serra.
Barcelona
Barcelona is a historic coastal city in northeastern Spain, renowned for its unique Catalan culture and distinctive architecture, including many works by Antoni Gaudí such as the Sagrada Família. Its history dates back over 2,000 years to a Roman settlement, and it later became a major medieval trading power in the Crown of Aragon. Today, it is a global city celebrated for its art, cuisine, and vibrant urban life.
Spain
Spain is a country in southwestern Europe with a rich and diverse cultural history shaped by Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences. Its historical sites range from Roman aqueducts and Islamic palaces like the Alhambra to Gothic cathedrals and modernist architecture, reflecting centuries of complex social and political evolution.
Spotify Camp Nou
Spotify Camp Nou is the iconic football stadium of FC Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, originally opened in 1957. It is renowned as one of the largest stadiums in Europe and has hosted major matches, including the 1982 FIFA World Cup final and two UEFA Champions League finals. The stadium is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion project, which began in 2022 and led to its naming rights partnership with Spotify.
Camp Nou
Camp Nou is the home stadium of FC Barcelona, located in Barcelona, Spain. It opened in 1957 and has since become one of the world’s largest and most iconic football stadiums, deeply tied to the club’s history and Catalan identity.
Marist
Marist typically refers to the Society of Mary, a Catholic religious congregation founded in France in 1816 by Saint Marcellin Champagnat. Its primary mission was to provide religious education and address the needs of rural youth, leading to the establishment of Marist schools worldwide. The name is also associated with various educational institutions, such as Marist College in the United States, which continue this legacy of academic and character formation.
AQIPA Iberia
AQIPA Iberia is a cultural and gastronomic center located in Madrid, Spain, dedicated to promoting the heritage of the Iberian Peninsula. It was established to showcase the region’s traditional products, particularly its renowned Iberian ham, through tastings, exhibitions, and educational workshops. The site serves as a hub for exploring the history and craftsmanship behind Spain’s iconic cured meats and culinary traditions.
America
The United States of America is a federal republic founded in 1776 after declaring independence from Great Britain. Its history spans from indigenous civilizations and European colonization to becoming a global superpower, shaped by events like westward expansion, the Civil War, and large-scale immigration.
Asia
Asia is the world’s largest and most populous continent, home to ancient civilizations such as those in Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and China. Its history spans millennia, featuring the rise and fall of vast empires, the birth of major world religions, and profound cultural and scientific advancements. Today, it is a region of immense diversity, encompassing a wide array of nations, languages, and modern economic powers.
Core Store SL
Core Store SL is a retail chain based in Spain, primarily known for selling mobile phones, accessories, and related electronics. The company was founded in 2009 and has since expanded to numerous locations across the country, focusing on providing technology products and services to consumers.
Rios club
The Rios Club is a historic social and cultural venue in Buenos Aires, Argentina, founded in 1927. It became a prominent gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and political figures, playing a significant role in the city’s vibrant cultural and political life throughout the 20th century.
