Barcelona make Uefa request as election rivals debate Marcus Rashford deal
Barcelona have requested a specific Champions League date from Uefa to ensure their upcoming presidential elections coincide with a home fixture.
The club have scheduled the crucial vote for Sunday, 15 March, the same day they are due to host Sevilla in La Liga.
Officials believe holding the ballot on a matchday is essential to maximise member turnout at the Nou Camp.
However, the feasibility of that date relies heavily on the scheduling of the club’s Champions League last-16 second leg.
Scheduling headache
If the Catalan giants are drawn to play their European tie on Tuesday, 16 March, domestic regulations would force the Sevilla match to be moved to the Saturday.
To avoid this, Barcelona have formally asked Uefa for a Wednesday slot to protect the Sunday election date, according to reports in Spain.
If the governing body agrees, the first leg of the tie would take place on Tuesday, 10 March.
This administrative manoeuvring comes as the election candidates begin to outline conflicting visions for the squad’s future.
Rashford transfer in doubt
The outcome of the vote could determine whether Marcus Rashford remains in Spain permanently.
The England international is currently on loan from Manchester United, with Barcelona holding a £26m option to make the move permanent.
While current president Joan Laporta reportedly favours keeping the 27-year-old, rival candidate Xavier Vilajoana has expressed skepticism.
Vilajoana has suggested the La Liga leaders should prioritise academy graduates or buy-back options over high-profile transfers.
He specifically highlighted Jan Virgili, a 19-year-old winger currently impressing at Mallorca, as a preferable target.
“I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I’ve always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have,” Vilajoana told ESPN.
“For example, I want to give the example of Jan Virgili, who is currently playing for Mallorca. He’s a great winger.”
Financial reality
Despite his preference for local talent, Vilajoana admitted that if Rashford is deemed essential for sporting reasons, the funds exist to complete the deal.
“I would maybe look at [re-signing Virgili] rather than paying the Rashford clause,” he explained.
“That said, it’s not just the president who arrives and makes the decision.”
“What I am clear on is that if [signing Rashford] is considered to be the best decision from a sporting point of view, the money will be there to make it happen.”
Rashford has missed the last three matches with a knee injury.
Hansi Flick’s side return to domestic action against Villarreal on Saturday.