Spanair board divided on Soriano candidacy

Spanish news agency EFE claims that the board of directors of Spanish airline Spanair is divided on a possible participation of Spanair chairman and former Barcelona economic vice-president Ferran Soriano in the elections for president of FC Barcelona later this year.

In general lines, Soriano would have the support of the institutional shareholders, some of whom would also want to have the company's name on the Barcelona shirt, while the private shareholders think the candidacy wouldn't be a good idea. One of the strongest opponents is said be former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart, the chairman of hotel group Husa.

On Friday 26 March, the next board meeting of Spanair is planned. Soriano doesn't need to have the approval of the board to run for president but a certain consensus would be desirable. Sources close to the shareholders would have said that there's a growing support for the candidacy of Soriano, who could combine the two position if he's elected.

According to some directors, the presidency of Soriano could also benefit Spanair because of the airline being linked with a brand known around the world. Those in favour of the candidacy would prefer Soriano to start with an own candidacy, which could then later be joined by - among others - the team of current Barcelona first vice-president Alfons Godall, who would be open for this option.

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