Barcelona to elect new chairman in June

Spanish and European champions Barcelona to elect a new chairman in June 13 to replace Joan Laporta, the club announced Friday.

Under the club’s rules, Laporta, 47, can no longer stand for election again after holding the post since 2003.

Several candidates have already come forward, including vice chairmen Alfons Godall and Jaume Ferrer. Former vice chairman Sandro Rosell is also expected to stand.

Laporta said earlier this month that he was considering creating a political party to seek independence for Spain’s Catalonia region and running for office himself.