Barcelona president Joan Laporta recovers from cardiac arrhythmia, will skip Birmingham friendly

Health scare

Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, confirmed on Tuesday via his official Instagram account that he had suffered a cardiac arrhythmia. The episode occurred shortly after his return from the United States last week. Medical staff at the Hospital de Barcelona, led by Dr. Jordi Morillas, were able to correct the condition.

“Everything went well!!! They managed to correct the arrhythmia!!! My heart is beating rhythmically again!!!!”

Laporta said he is now in good health but will rest on medical advice.

Medical gratitude

In his statement, Laporta praised the medical teams involved in his care. He specifically thanked Dr. Xavier Corbella and the FC Barcelona medical services, as well as his chief of staff, Manana Giorgadze, for coordinating everything with efficiency.

“Beyond their wisdom and vast knowledge, the human treatment is kind, understanding, full of patience and affection, dignifying medicine and the Hippocratic Oath.”

The president also acknowledged remote advice from Dr. Valentí Fuster and his team at Mount Sinai, and from Dr. Brugada, who recommended the procedure used to reverse the arrhythmia. He closed his message by thanking his children, siblings, relatives and friends for their support.

Club impact

As a result of the arrhythmia episode, Laporta will not travel with the team to England for the pre-season friendly against Birmingham, scheduled for Friday at 20:45. Instead, first vice-president Rafa Yuste will lead the institutional representation at the match.

Yuste will also chair a board meeting called for Wednesday morning. The agenda includes setting the date for the next General Assembly of Delegates, where the board will seek authorisation to increase the financing for the Espai Barça project by 500 million euros, from the current 1.45 billion euros to 1.95 billion.

Current financing1.45

Proposed financing1.95

Current financing

1.45 EUR bn

Proposed financing

1.95 EUR bn

Data from the article text

Espai Barça financing

The proposed financing expansion with Goldman Sachs responds to rising construction costs. Delegates will also be asked to approve an agreement already reached between Barcelona and Ohana Development, a company from the United Arab Emirates that will develop a luxury residential complex under the Barça brand. Several clubs, including Manchester City, have pursued similar branded real-estate projects.

The board meeting and the friendly both proceed with Yuste as the most senior club official present. Laporta is expected to resume his duties after a period of rest.