Barcelona presidential candidate Josep Maria Bartomeu's "fear of debates proved unfounded: he rolled with the punches on Tuesday night," according to Luis F. Rojo of MARCA. Bartomeu, Toni Freixa, Joan Laporta and Agustí Benedito are the four candidates in the election, which will be held Saturday. Freixa "spoke brilliantly," while Laporta was "erratic." Bartomeu "drew first blood and then defended himself creditably." The most recent president "caused a stir early" on by dubbing Laporta's program "very simple." Freixa was the "big surprise." He "kept on point, while bringing lots of ideas to the table." He "landed a hit when explaining how Bartomeu didn't consult the board about vital decisions" (MARCA, 7/15).
BARTOMEU BACKS PLATINI: The EFE reported Bartomeu confirmed that if he is elected president, he will back UEFA President Michel Platini as a replacement for FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Bartomeu said of a conversation he had with Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Ángel María Villar, "I have an excellent relationship with Villar. I have spoken with him and he knows that our candidate is Platini. We would like it if he is a candidate to preside over FIFA" (EFE, 7/15).
