Elena Fort: The Legal Mind and Executive Power at FC Barcelona
Maria Elena Fort i Cisneros is a distinguished Spanish Catalan lawyer, politician, and football executive who has played a pivotal role in the governance of one of the world's most famous sports institutions, FC Barcelona. Known for her legal expertise and political acumen, Fort has navigated the complex intersection of sports management, public law, and regional politics in Catalonia.
With a career spanning several decades, she has established herself as a key ally of club president Joan Laporta, serving as a bridge between the club's institutional goals and its public image.
Key Facts
- Role: Institutional Vice President and spokeswoman of the FC Barcelona Board of Directors (2021–2026).
- Education: Law degree from the University of Barcelona, specializing in public law and urban planning.
- Legal Career: Founder of the law firm BRF Abogados SLP (1996) and member of the Barcelona Bar Association.
- Political Affiliation: Member of the Junts per Catalunya party.
- Political Experience: Served twice as a member of the Parliament of Catalonia.
Professional Background and Legal Career
Born in 1970 in Barcelona, Elena Fort pursued her academic training at the University of Barcelona, where she earned her law degree. She focused her expertise on public law (the area of law governing the relationship between individuals and the state) and urban planning. In 1996, she transitioned into private practice by founding the law firm BRF Abogados SLP, further cementing her professional standing as a member of the Barcelona Bar Association.
Executive Leadership at FC Barcelona
Fort's journey with FC Barcelona began in 2008 when Joan Laporta invited her to join the Board of Directors following a wave of executive resignations. During this first tenure, she managed institutional and heritage matters until 2010. However, her subsequent relationship with the following administration was contentious; she challenged the new Board over the handling of club accounts, leading to court proceedings and liability pressures.
After supporting Laporta's unsuccessful 2015 bid, Fort returned to the forefront during the 2021 elections. During the campaign, she became a vocal advocate for gender quotas and the increased representation of women within the club's leadership, expressing a desire for a female president.
Following Laporta's victory on January 24, 2021, Fort made history as the only woman on the board. She was appointed Institutional Vice President on March 19, 2021, succeeding Pau Vilanova Vila-Abadal, and took on the role of club spokeswoman on March 31, 2021.
Notable Decisions and Legal Challenges
Throughout her tenure, Fort handled several high-profile issues. In November 2025, she notably declined the proposal to rename the Camp Nou stadium after Leo Messi, stating that other methods of honoring the legend would be more appropriate. Additionally, she served as the club's official representative before a judge on January 27, 2026, regarding the Negreira case (a legal investigation into payments made by the club to a former refereeing official).
To ensure eligibility for reelection under club by-laws, Fort and the majority of the board resigned on February 9, 2026, before returning to power following Laporta's landslide victory on March 16, 2026.
Political Career in Catalonia
Parallel to her sports executive role, Fort has been active in Catalan politics with the party Junts per Catalunya. While she did not win a seat in the 2017 early regional elections, she entered the Parliament of Catalonia in 2019 following the resignation of other deputies. She served again briefly in March 2024 after the resignation of Jaume Alonso-Cuevillas.
In early 2026, reports suggested she was Carles Puigdemont's preferred candidate for the 2027 Barcelona mayoral race, though she was eventually ruled out of the running.
Summary of Professional Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | University of Barcelona (Law) |
| FC Barcelona Roles | Institutional Vice President, Board Spokeswoman |
| Political Party | Junts per Catalunya |
| Legal Specialization | Public Law and Urban Planning |
| Key Tenure | 2021 – 2026 (under Joan Laporta) |
Personal Life
Elena Fort married Jordi Sirera on March 20, 2015. The ceremony was officiated by Joan Laporta, who was then a councillor for the Barcelona City Council. The couple had two children; however, Sirera passed away from cancer in April 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Elena Fort's primary role at FC Barcelona?
She served as the Institutional Vice President and the official spokeswoman for the Board of Directors between 2021 and 2026.
What is Elena Fort's professional background outside of football?
She is a qualified lawyer specializing in public law and urban planning, and she founded the law firm BRF Abogados SLP in 1996.
Did Elena Fort hold any political office?
Yes, she served as a member of the Parliament of Catalonia on two separate occasions as part of the Junts per Catalunya party.
What was her stance on renaming the Camp Nou?
In November 2025, she refused to rename the stadium after Leo Messi, arguing that there were better ways to pay tribute to the player.
Why did she resign from the board in February 2026?
She and other board members resigned to comply with club by-laws, making them eligible to run for reelection in the March 2026 elections.