FC Barcelona’s Dire Situation: Should Josep Maria Bartomeu and the Board Be Removed After Continuous Underperformance?
The performance of FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) this season has been disappointing to say the least. Despite spending millions on acquiring some of the world's most talented players, the team has struggled to win meaningful titles. This has led to questions about the accountability and competence of the club’s leadership, particularly the responsibility of President Josep Maria Bartomeu. The following discussion will explore whether the directors at FC Barcelona should remove Bartomeu, based on the club’s underperformance in the UCL and its overall direction.
The Context of Football in Spain and Beyond
The current state of football in Spain exemplifies the challenges faced by both clubs and governing bodies. The concept of accountability appears to be non-existent in the global football landscape. Although former FIFA President Sepp Blatter was eventually held accountable due to international anti-corruption laws, it is evident that FIFA and UEFA have not made substantial changes to their governance structures. The current UEFA President, Aleksander ?eferin (commonly referred to as Alexander ‘Gianni’ Infantino), has shown little action despite the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and the ongoing issue of match-fixing.
The Influence of FIFA and UEFA on Clubs
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, among others, are significant economic powerhouses for global football organizations like FIFA and UEFA. These clubs contribute immensely to the financial stability of these institutions through television rights and other revenue streams. It is ironic that instead of holding the directors of these clubs accountable, FIFA and UEFA seem more inclined to target other clubs, such as Manchester City, which they hope to herald as an example of “clean football.”
The Ownership Structure and Leadership at FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona operates under a unique structure known as a société anonyme, which means that every member of the club has an equal say in the decision-making process. Unlike a traditional private enterprise, the club’s elections are conducted democratically, allowing each vote to carry the same weight.
Josep Maria Bartomeu, who has served as the club’s president since 2013, has faced criticism for his leadership. He capitalized on the success of the 2014-2015 Treble, a feat that secured him a second term as the club president in 2016. While some may argue that he should have stepped down earlier, it is also important to consider the broader context of football governance, which does not seem to prioritize transparency and accountability.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Based on the evidence and the current state of football governance, it is highly likely that the board at FC Barcelona, including President Josep Maria Bartomeu, should be held accountable for their leadership. The club’s underperformance in the UCL, despite significant investment in talent, demands a reconsideration of the leadership structure and strategies. While not all wishes can be granted within the current football establishment, change must occur to ensure that the club returns to its former glory and fulfills its role as one of the leading forces in global football.
Ultimately, the future of FC Barcelona depends on a new leadership that can restore the club’s prestige and lead it to success both on and off the field.