During the first decade of the new millennium, president Joan Laporta, a supporter of Catalan nationalism, repeatedly expressed his support of Catalonia's secession from Spain and characterised the club as the symbol for Catalan separatism. The politicization of the club drew criticism from several club members who accused Laporta of alienating Barcelona fans, both within and outside of Catalunya.
In the early 2000s, president Joan Laporta, a strong advocate for Catalan independence, consistently voiced his backing for Catalonia's separation from Spain and portrayed the club as a symbol of Catalan self-determination. The politicization of the club sparked criticism from several members who felt that Laporta was driving away Barcelona fans, both at home and abroad.