Joan Camprubí Montal: "I believe that the Barcelona supporters will unite against Laporta."

BarcelonaClean-cut and the great-grandson of Barça presidents, Joan Camprubí Montal (Barcelona, ​​1987) was strongly considered a presidential candidate for the Catalan club following the emergence of Som un Clam, a movement he spearheaded that called for a change in the club's management model to ensure its continued financial viability while remaining in the hands of its members. However, this businessman and investor, an industrial engineer and former amateur football player, decided to step aside and instead advocate for unity among the other candidates, convinced that a united front against Joan Laporta was the only way to defeat him at the polls.

So why didn't he ultimately run? Many had taken it for granted.

— We are a Clam movement; we never wanted to be a candidacy, just a movement. For two years we've been holding events throughout the region and have had different spokespeople. It's obvious that my second surname gives me away, and the question of whether there will be a third Montal president often comes up. But today isn't about the lead candidate, but about reversing the situation and doing what the club deserves. That's why we stepped aside, foregoing the collection of ballots, to facilitate this change.

Do you think that Marc Ciria, Víctor Font and Xavier Vilajoana will finally join together?

— I remain optimistic, as I've been saying these past few days. The biggest impact these elections can have is the unity of Barcelona fans for a change that we all believe is necessary. This wasn't achieved before the ballots were collected, which was the goal and would have had an even more powerful impact. But I remain optimistic with four days to go, and I believe that all the candidates who have decided to run also share the will to bring about change. So yes, I believe it will happen.

Have you spoken with all the pre-candidates?

— There are ongoing conversations, yes.

Together? Separately?

— I prefer not to give more details because I don't want to disrupt the positive atmosphere we have. If I'm optimistic, it's because there have been some approaches. However, I can't say how many, which ones, or how. That wouldn't help the unity I'm striving for.

But someone has to step up.

— This isn't about who's more or less important. Unity must come first, and it's the common good that the member needs.

Okay, but I insist: the members vote for a president, and someone needs to be at the top of the list. And so far, no one has stepped aside.

— It's possible that before reaching this agreement, the various pre-candidates will want to gauge the volume of support they have [in the form of signatures]. And perhaps it will come later. But immediately afterward, not the day before the vote.

He says it would be a major coup. Even more so than a hypothetical acceptance of the complaint against Laporta?

— The complaints have been the modus operandi Since 2003. We must turn the page on all this and look at how we grow older outwards, not how we shrink among ourselves.

Does that mean she doesn't believe it, or that now is not the right time?

— I won't comment on the complaint itself because it hasn't even been formally accepted. Nor will I comment on whether it should be filed now or not, or on the allegations. However, I do believe that some questionable actions have been taken, such as the agreement with Congo, for example.

Rumors are circulating that the signature collection process is slower than the candidates anticipated. And that, generally, there's little campaign atmosphere. Do you agree?

— There is a real opportunity for unified change, for the members to be able to play their part. The problem is that, right now, this opportunity isn't being seen. Besides, the conditions are unfavorable: the date, the short notice for preparing candidacies, the inability to vote by mail… So, I insist, the decisive factor that would shift the polls and mobilize the membership would be teamwork. Not only for undecided voters, but also for people who are already certain of their vote and might consider giving change a chance.

Som un Clam has 5,000 members. What guidelines have they been given?

— That they support any of the candidates who want change. That this force be made visible with a significant number of signatures, which together could exceed those of the current board.

He has now resigned as president. What about later, in 2031?

— When people ask me, I always say that many would love to be president of Barça, but they must bear in mind the enormous responsibility it entails. I've seen it at home: it affects family life too. The responsibility involves managing the club, surrounding yourself with people who can ensure the level of management that meets the members' expectations.

What would his grandfather say about the current Barça team?

— I'd say it's a Barça that's finding its rhythm. But above all, it's because of the young players, their drive, and a coach who inspires enthusiasm. Although I'd also say it doesn't remind me of my own Barça, that the ethical and moral aspects are different. more than a clubWe are ceasing to be sports centers, and in some ways, such as not allowing mail-in voting, we are also limiting democracy. And there is the obvious risk of the limited liability company.

But football has changed a lot. It's become globalized, and money is very important. And the fan wants it all: to be a club owner but, at the same time, enjoy affordable prices. Is this really possible?

— I believe we can never relinquish our essence, our sense of ownership. And I, who travel extensively, know that this is something that major brands value. It's an iconic and exemplary way of doing things. Therefore, balance is possible.