Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed the club’s deep sorrow following the unexpected passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia. The shocking news prompted the postponement of Barcelona’s La Liga fixture against Osasuna, which was scheduled for Saturday night.
“FC Barcelona is deeply saddened to announce the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia this evening,” the club said in an official statement. “For this reason, the match between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna has been postponed to a later date.” The club extended its heartfelt condolences to Garcia’s family and friends during this difficult time.
According to ESPN, Barcelona’s players were informed of Garcia’s death upon their arrival at the stadium. After discussions with the first-team squad and staff members, the club swiftly decided to postpone the match, a decision that was met with full understanding from Osasuna and La Liga.
Laporta revealed that Garcia passed away at the team’s training camp on Saturday, just hours before the Osasuna game. “Carles was much loved by everyone. He came to all the away games and looked after everyone. He didn’t say no to anyone,” Laporta said. “This is very painful for everyone at Barcelona. We’re in a state of shock.”
He also expressed gratitude toward Osasuna and La Liga for their support and understanding. “We decided a postponement was for the best, and La Liga understood our reasoning perfectly. Osasuna and their president were extraordinarily supportive from the first moment,” Laporta added.
With Barcelona still competing in the Champions League and Copa del Rey, rescheduling the Osasuna match presents a challenge. Reports from AS suggest that May 21 is the most likely date for the fixture. However, if Barcelona exits the Champions League in the last-16 stage or fails to reach the Copa del Rey final, April 26 could become an alternative option.
Garcia leaves behind his wife and two children, Gerard and Ana. Laporta assured that the club would offer them full support during this tragic time. “We have contacted his mother and his wife, and we want to give them the maximum support,” he said.
Barcelona currently lead Benfica 1-0 in their Champions League last-16 tie ahead of the second leg next week. Meanwhile, they are tied 4-4 with Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey semi-final, with the decisive second leg scheduled for early next month.