Laporta responds to Xavi: The dismissal decision was purely sporting and the elections are not a cause for controversy

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has launched a scathing attack on former coach Xavi Hernandez following the latter's recent comments regarding his departure from the club in the summer of 2024.
Xavi had sparked controversy in a press interview, asserting that the decision to dismiss him was not directly made by Laporta, but rather influenced by his advisor, Alejandro Echevarría, whom he accused of running the club behind the scenes. These remarks came at a sensitive time, just before the club's presidential elections, in which Victor Font is also a candidate.
During an election debate, Laporta strongly refuted these accusations, emphasizing that the decision was purely sporting, albeit difficult, but necessary to safeguard the team's progress after a string of poor results under Xavi. He added that the results achieved since Hansi Flick took over as Barcelona's coach prove the decision was correct, pointing out that the same players who struggled under Xavi are now achieving victories after the coaching change.
Laporta accused certain parties of attempting to exploit Xavi's statements to politically damage him during the election campaign, in a clear reference to his rival, Victor Font. He asserted that someone was behind the former coach, pushing him to raise this issue.
Laporta also addressed the previous controversy surrounding Lionel Messi's potential return to Barcelona in 2023, emphasizing that the reason was purely financial and not a personal dispute. He indicated that the club plans to honor Messi in the future by erecting a statue and organizing a celebratory match after the completion of the Camp Nou renovations. He added that Messi's family preferred to pursue a new experience with Inter Miami.
Laporta's statements clarified the situation amidst the election controversy, affirming that the club's technical and administrative decisions have always been geared towards the team's best interests, far removed from any political or electoral considerations.