Medina joins race for Barcelona presidency

MADRID, Aug 7 (Reuters) Lawyer Jordi Medina became the latest Barcelona member to declare his intention to stand against Joan Laporta in next month's presidential election when he unveiled his candidature today.

Medina, who made an unsuccessful bid to stand in the last election in 2003, said he was aiming to put forward a constructive programme that would provide a viable alternative to Laporta's leadership.

His programme includes a project to modernise Barca's 98,000-capacity Nou Camp stadium and a plan to boost the fortunes of the club's youth sides in an attempt to prevent players leaving to join other leading teams.

Medina is the third rival to Laporta to throw his hat in the ring following former Barcelona handball player Francesc Linan Serra and university professor Jaume Guixa.

All potential candidates have to acquire the signatures of 1,804 club members if they are to stand officially in the election which is due to take place on September. 3.

The electoral process was triggered when a judge upheld a complaint from three club members who said Laporta had exceeded his four-year tenure as president.

The judge ruled that according to the club's statutes a year is calculated by reference to the season and runs from July to June. Since Laporta took over on June 22, 2003, the eight days before the end of that month counted as his first year in office.

Barcelona have won two Spanish titles and the Champions League since Laporta has been in charge of the club.

REUTERS DH RK0224