Catalan businessman José Elías discussed the possibility of running for FC Barcelona's presidency in the podcast "Búscate la vida."
Elías noted that he would consider running in club elections before venturing into politics: "I would run for a Barcelona board meeting before entering politics." He explained that 2026 is a favorable moment since current president Joan Laporta cannot seek a third consecutive term. Elías added, "The situation is very open, and nobody has an advantage," also commenting that running against Laporta while the team was performing relatively well would have been tough.
Regarding his position in the recent elections, Elías mentioned that he was approached by a few parties but chose not to back anyone at that time: "I will position myself when I see an opportunity."
Recalling his financial support in 2021, Elías said he pledged part of €38.5 million toward Laporta's candidacy: "We did not know each other, and our relationship didn't change afterward." He pointed out that apart from himself and Joan Roures, nobody else contributed significant funds during that process.
Concerning his current view on Laporta, Elías stated he does not speak ill of him and believes Laporta "has not done badly," pointing to sporting success and financial maneuvers: "I don’t have accounting arguments to say if the company is in good or bad shape, but there is a game to be played depending on who runs."
These remarks indicate a possible willingness from Elías to become more active in club politics in the next election cycle, considering the leadership context and his past involvement.
