Laporta Ratified As Barcelona President

The embattled 'presi' has already weathered one leadership storm this summer: a motion of censure brought against him only failed by a slim margin in July.60% of the 32% of socios who turned out for that snap July election voted against Laporta, but a two-thirds majority was needed to unseat him. Undaunted by the fact that a majority of voters had gone against him, he continued on.Now the General Assembley - a much smaller, more exclusive grouping than the 100,000-plus club members - has cemented Laporta's position of power by a much handsomer margin.526 of those present voted in favour of Laporta's continuation, 376 (39.9%) against, and 40 (4.2%) submitted blank votes.This vote came after an impassioned speech from the club leader. As FCBarcelona.cat reported, sections included, "Two leagues and a European Cup in five years is a good return, but I understand that two seasons without a trophy is cause for deep reflection. And I assure you that we have acted on that reflection."Things are working well; with humility, but with resolution. The plan is in place and it is exciting. The balance in the group, the involvement and the work, the new faces in the dressing room, and the talent, and there is a lot of talent, are all strong reasons to be optimistic."