Sandro Rosell

Sandro Rosell i Feliu (born March 6 1964 in Barcelona, Spain). With a degree in MBA from ESADE, Rosell is known worldwide for being the running mate and senior adviser of Joan Laporta during the Presidential elections of FC Barcelona in 2003. Moreover, he is renowned for bringing Ronaldinho to the Camp Nou in the same year.

FC Barcelona elections in 2003

Rosell and former good friend Joan Laporta joined forces in 2003 to support the latter's bid to become President of FC Barcelona. After winning by a huge majority, Rosell attempted to make the election pledge of bringing David Beckham to the club a reality. At the time, Rosell claimed he was "80% confident" that the move would take place. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2994716.stm BBC Sport - Barça poised for Beckham talks] ] However Beckham chose to go to Barça's fierce rivals Real Madrid. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/2998868.stm BBC Sport - Beckham joins Real Madrid] ]

igning of Ronaldinho

As a result of Beckham's snub, the Barça board opted to try and sign Brazil star Ronaldinho from PSG. The Catalan club were in direct competition for the Brazilian with Manchester United who wanted him as a replacement for the England international. At a time of finacial uncertainty, the capture of Ronaldinho was crucial for Barça.

It is widely believed that Ronaldinho signed for Barça instead of the Premier League Champions because of his friendship with Rosell, a former Nike executive in Brazil. [ [http://www.armchairgm.com/ronaldinho Ronaldinho - ArmchairGM - Sports Wiki Database ] ]

Resignation from Barcelona Board of Directors

Rosell resigned as vice-president of sports in June 2005, despite Barça winning the title that year, accusing Laporta of failing to carry its original plan for the club. [ [http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jHZ1aUOEan-lIzolv3aJXpvFQPdQ AFP.com Barcelona chief Laporta stays as rebels walk out] ]

Following his resignation

In 2006, Rosell released a book "Benvingut al món real" (Welcome to the real world), just as Barça were on the verge of making it to the Champions League final, which they eventually won. It was seen as a direct attack on club president Joan Laporta after it promised to reveal the problems that had caused Rosell to resign. [ [http://www.davidbruceallen.com/strategyoped/2006/04/ftbol_club_barc.html davidbruceallen.com Fútbol Club Barcelona: The challenge of success] ]

When the opportunity for elections at FC Barcelona arose in 2006, due to a successful challenge by club members who claimed Joan Laporta had completed a four year term, Rosell did not put his name forward to challenge his former friend. When asked if he would put his name forward in future elections, Rosell replied that he would "never say never". [ [http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=689037 Goal.com Rosell Coy On Barça Return] ]

Since his resignation, Sandro Rosell has been particularly vocal in the media. A frequent critic of Joan Laporta, Rosell has criticised his handling of problems at Barça and claimed that in "all areas of the club" there has been " "absolute anarchy". [http://www.goal.com/EN/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=754006 Goal.com Rosell Slams Barcelona Over Ronaldinho And Arshavin] ] However, he did support Laporta's choice of manager in Pep Guardiola saying that it was "how it should be".

2010 Elections

Rosell announced on June 27, 2008 at a press conference that he intended to campaign for the presidency of FC Barcelona in 2010 after the end of the contract of Joan Laporta. At the time, Laporta was about to face a no-confidence motion brought about by Oriol Giralt which Rosell openly supported. Laporta himself accused Rosell of being behind the motion. [ [http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/217203,laporta-narrowly-escapes-being-toppled-at-barcelona--feature.html The Earth Times Laporta narrowly escapes being toppled at Barcelona] ] When asked why he would be voting against Laporta, Rosell said that it was because the current management "is not independent or transparent or democratic". [ [http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jHZ1aUOEan-lIzolv3aJXpvFQPdQ Barcelona chief Laporta stays as rebels walk out] ]

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