24.08.2008 18:00

Laporta defends economic management

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Joan Laporta has positively appraised the achievements of this past season despite finishing without any football trophies. And he said it was thanks to successful economic management and the social growth of the company.

Below, we will review the main points that the president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, mentioned during his speech at the General Assembly.

Last season’s balance sheet

“It was a difficult year. Now, from this financial year, we can come to a very important conclusion: the management model and economic system which we follow and which we want to continue implementing are the most appropriate. The management model is fixed because it guarantees us economic solidity and competitiveness.”

Economic prosperity

“Income has increased for the fifth year in a row. This allows us to sign the players the coaching staffs want. We have also reduced our debts and we have strengthened our assets. Today we have more square metre and their worth is higher than ever.”

Ours is a strong economy. Five years ago the club turned over three times less and lost 72 million euro. That means that we lost half of what we turned over. Today we are presenting a budget for this season with record figures: the forecast is to reach an investment of 380 million euro, 55% more than what we had forecast in 2003’s business plan.”

“Once again we find ourselves at the forefront of the elite football clubs in the world. Furthermore, income from current television rights and the Nike contract allow us to increase revenue by more than 70 million euro”.

“This coming October Barça will have cleared their bank debts.”

Football: past, present and future

“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”.

Other professional sports

“The basketball team got to the ACB final. The new manager helped the team to realise their true potential and this season will continue in the same manner. Under the management of the new technical secretary, Joan Creus, and with Xavier Pascual on the bench, we hope to recover the dreams of the Palau.”

“In handball, the team were in with a shout in all competitions. With valuable experience gained, a very interesting future is now taking shape.”
“In roller hockey, Quim Paüls team won the league and European Cup and continues to add to our trophy cabinet.”

“And we are among the very best in indoor football. Our challenge this season is clear: believe that we are great and enjoy ourselves like the other great teams at the club”.