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.
During the first decade of the new millennium, president Joan Laporta, a strong supporter of Catalan nationalism, repeatedly expressed his support for Catalonia's separation from Spain and portrayed the club as an emblem of Catalan self-determination. The politicization of the club led to criticism from several members who felt that Laporta was driving away Barcelona fans.