Som un Clam demands FC Barcelona board implement six measures for members

The FC Barcelona member platform 'Som un Clam' has issued a formal statement demanding the club's board of directors implement six critical measures to increase member representation and transparency. Following the General Assembly on September 19, the group expressed deep concern over the club's financial trajectory and the lack of direct engagement with its supporters. The platform emphasizes that while the team's current performance on the pitch is encouraging, the democratic essence of the club requires rigorous oversight of the management.

The group highlighted alarming financial data, noting the approval of 18 million euros in losses, which marks the third consecutive year of negative results. This has led to a negative net worth of 168 million euros, prompting the group to demand the immediate reactivation of Article 67 of the club's statutes. Furthermore, they are calling for an investigation into the ballooning costs of the Camp Nou renovation, which has surged to 1.8 billion euros from an initial budget of 900 million, alongside significant delays that contradict previous board promises.

Historically, FC Barcelona has prided itself on being member-owned, a status that 'Som un Clam' argues is currently under threat due to the board's opaque decision-making processes. The platform points to the fourth consecutive telematics-only assembly as a sign of distancing from the membership base. By demanding accountability, they seek to restore the traditional balance of power that has defined the club's identity for decades, ensuring that the board remains answerable to those who truly own the institution.

The ramifications of these demands are significant, as they place direct pressure on President Joan Laporta to justify the current financial and structural management. Affected parties include the club's season ticket holders, who remain in the dark regarding seat assignments for the new stadium, and younger fans, as the group demands the restoration of the child passport program. The call for a clear timeline for the new Palau Blaugrana also signals a growing impatience among the fanbase regarding the broader Espai Barça project.

Looking ahead, experts suggest that the board's response will be a litmus test for the club's internal stability. If the board continues to ignore these calls for transparency, the tension between the leadership and the membership is likely to escalate. The demand for an independent audit of the accounts and a concrete plan for the stadium's completion are seen as essential steps to regain the trust of the socios. Failure to address these grievances could lead to further institutional instability during a critical period of transition for the club.