Sandro Rosell elected as new Barcelona president

Barca's presidential candidates had their very own TV debate

Businessman Sandro Rosell has been elected the new president of Barcelona.

The 46-year-old will succeed Joan Laporta, who is stepping down after seven years in charge at the club.

During Laporta's tenure, Barca won four Spanish league titles and the Champions League twice - the most successful period in their history.

Rosell, who is a former Barca vice-president, won more than 60% of the vote of Barca's club members, with outsider Agust Benedito in second.

As Barca vice-president, Rosell helped the club buy Ronaldinho and Deco but stepped down in 2005 after falling out with Laporta.

As well as Rosell and Bendito, Barca's club members or 'socios' had the choice to vote for Laporta's preferred successor Jaume Ferrer as well as former director Marc Ingla.

606: DEBATE Will Fabregas leave Arsenal?

Last season, Barcelona won the league for a second successive season, pipping Real Madrid to the title by three points, with the Catalan's club bitter rivals then appointing Jose Mourinho as their new coach.

One of Rosell's first tasks as Barca president will be to try and finalise the transfer of Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

"I am totally isolated and I am not thinking about anything beyond being at the World Cup and giving everything for the national side," said Fabregas, who is with Spain's World Cup squad in South Africa.

In 2003, Rosell led Barcelona's negotiating team as they attempted to sign David Beckham from Manchester United, before Barca signed Brazilian Ronaldinho.

And Rosell says he he will attempt to sign Arsenal captain Fabregas, if coach Pep Guardiola still wants the midfielder.

"We will do everything to help bring him," said Rosell.