Barcelona sets new date for presidential election
Barcelona has announced its presidential election will take place on 7 March.
The club had to postpone the vote to name Josep Maria Bartomeu's replacement, initially scheduled for 25 January, due to coronavirus concerns.
The regional government of Catalonia declared it could not grant Barcelona's members permission to travel beyond their local areas to cast votes due to tightened restrictions aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Instead, Barca has agreed to hold the election in 40 days' time. Members will have the option to vote by mail, using their local post office or, for those over 65 or with medical conditions, via a home courier service.
Due to nationwide health protocols, Barca said only polling stations located in Catalonia or in Andorra will be open to members to vote in person.
The three remaining candidates for the election are favourite Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa.
Barcelona said in a club statement: "The managing commission would like to make it clear that during this period the club will continue to work closely with the Catalan government and the health and local authorities to best organise the elections so that they can be carried out in the best conditions possible."
