In a farewell interview given to club media before stepping down to run for re-election, Joan Laporta explained the reasons behind Barcelona’s break with the Super League and outlined the club’s recent dealings with European football bodies. He said the Super League gradually fell apart and ultimately did not offer benefits to Barça, instead generating costs and persistent tensions, notably with Real Madrid. The club followed the proper exit procedures and now seeks stability within the broader football family.
Laporta reported that relations with the RFEF are very good, with steady and open communication, and that bridges have been rebuilt with UEFA, the EFC (formerly ECA) and FIFA. He described the relationship with UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and the executive team as constructive, and said Barcelona has helped contribute to calmer conditions in European football while aiming to collaborate on sustainable competition models.
Regarding a possible return to the EFC, Laporta clarified that Barcelona first needed to formally leave the European Superleague — a project that disintegrated and proved unworkable, offering little or no advantage for Barça and mainly representing costs. The club carried out the exit process correctly and now will seek to work with UEFA on ensuring the long-term sustainability of football competitions.
On the renovation of Spotify Camp Nou, Laporta said the overall situation inspires confidence. The work had to be effectively restarted and adapted to a level befitting the club, but progress is steady despite unforeseen problems. The contractor Limak, he noted, has shown strong execution capacity, rapid reactions to issues, technical quality and a commitment to finding solutions, which leaves the club satisfied and grateful for their performance on this complex project.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in obtaining license 1C for the Gol Nord and the 1957 stand: those parts are essentially finished but the permit, which should have been issued in the first week of January, had still not been granted in February. The club is working to improve accesses and meet requirements and expects the license to be issued soon.
Laporta stressed the close cooperation with the city council and the mayor, who are committed to accelerating both the stadium works and the surrounding urban project. He warned that hosting a Champions League final or World Cup matches will require completion not only of the stadium but also of the environment around it.
As for timing, he said the main construction phases should be completed by the end of 2026, with the roof installation scheduled for 2027. The project requires a four-month period without activity in the stadium, and in the optimistic scenario full completion could occur by late 2027. Besides the stadium itself, the plan includes work on the campus and the urban surroundings, which need to begin promptly.
On the question of returning to Montjuïc, Laporta indicated there are no immediate plans: any temporary return would be negotiated to fit La Liga and Champions League calendars if the team qualifies. He stressed that the economic return from the Spotify Camp Nou will be decisive for revenue growth — improvements in ticketing, hospitality, commercial spaces, sponsorship activations, global events and personalised experiences will open up new income streams, help repay debt and allow further investment in the sporting project.
Laporta also described plans for a new Palau Blaugrana as the final stage of the overall project. The first stone is expected in 2027 and the venue will be modern and multipurpose, designed to generate income from its capacity and to host concerts or European finals. The club is enthusiastic about this architectural project.
He recalled that the stadium project should have been completed much earlier — it had to be finished since his 2010 departure — and emphasised that the recent years have brought visible advancement. The infrastructure is a central lever for sporting competitiveness and economic recovery.
Interview by Joan Poquí. Updated: 08/02/2026 20:45 CET.
