14.10.2010 15:19

Changes in members’ admission process

Roger Bogunyà

Jordi Cardoner, the FC Barcelona vice-president for the social area, has announced changes to the club members' admission process that will include the regulation of the season ticket waiting list at Camp Nou.

From November 1, Cardoner told a press conference, only people that meet the following requirements will be able to become club members: to be a member of a first or second relation to a current member, to be under 14 or to have been a a member previously. "We understand that this measure, that was an electoral commitment, is a way of protecting what FC Barcelona represents," he explained before adding that the changes, protected in Article 12 of the statutes, were implemented with immediate effect.

New studies

The board of directors are also looking for other ways to regulate the admission of new club members, Cardoner explained. "We are studying a plan to reward the loyal supporters who are committed to the club," he said. The vice president wanted to make it clear that the admission of new members would resume after November 1. Between October 14 and November 1 they would not be dealt with.

Waiting list

There are currently 9,500 members on the waiting list to obtain a season ticket at Camp Nou. According to club figures in recent seasons an average of 225 seats have become available each year, which means that the waiting time is an average of 42 years. "To work on this list and to maintain it clubs members would have to visit the FCB Supporter Services Office once a year in person.

The incorporation of members to the waiting list will also be stopped until November 1. Cardoner stated that a mechanism to allow every member to know their position on the list would be implemented too.

Prized possession

These changes will add value to being a club member, the director added. "It is a way of protecting what FC Barcelona represents," Cardoner explained. "Being a member will be even more prized. There will be a better balance between the number of seats and the options there are to fill them. There were cases of members that have given up their seats and then returned six times. It is difficult to maintain that kind of thing."

Youthful outlook

Cardoner also explained that the club is working to ensure that youngsters remain interested. "We want to bring as many young people as we can to Camp Nou in order to keep the atmosphere great," he commented. "We want to promote that in a civic and unconditional way. It is a project that we hope can be started at the beginning of next year."