Barcelona decide against roping in new CEO amidst financial instability

A recent report from Mundo Deportivo has revealed that Barcelona do not plan to hire a new CEO to replace Ferran Reverter, who resigned in 2022. 

Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that a new CEO would be appointed this season, the outlet now confirms that no senior executive is expected to take over in the near or distant future.

Reverter, the last CEO of Barcelona, stepped down in February 2022, just seven months into President Joan Laporta’s second term. Since then, more than two years have passed, and the club has not filled the vacant CEO position. 

Joan Laporta has a different plan

Instead, it has been learned that Laporta, alongside treasurer Ferran Olive, has been handling Barcelona’s financial matters. 

They have shared these responsibilities, occasionally with the help of corporate director Maribel Melendez, who too left the club soon after Reverter’s exit.

Barcelona do not plan to appoint a new CEO. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)

Ultimately, Laporta took direct control of financial management after Reverter’s departure, aiming to address the club’s rising debt. 

However, despite efforts to improve the financial situation, the progress has not been as effective as anticipated. The president, however, prefers to maintain the current structure, choosing not to bring in a new CEO to oversee financial operations.

Laporta wants more control

The report also suggests that unless an internal senior executive steps up to the role, Barcelona’s leadership does not plan to change the current arrangement. 

This approach signals Laporta’s desire to maintain tight control over the club’s financial recovery without introducing external leadership. 

Given the ongoing challenges with Barcelona’s debt, this decision could be a calculated effort to stabilise the club’s finances from within, rather than bringing in new faces at this critical stage.

At present, it appears unlikely that Barcelona will hire a new CEO anytime soon, keeping the financial operations firmly in the hands of Laporta and Olive.