Security Concerns Further Postpone Barcelona’s Camp Nou Return Amid Tight Deadlines

Key Takeaways:

• Barcelona have just nine days remaining to obtain a City Council licence to reopen the Camp Nou, with initial capacity set at 27,000 fans
• Deficiencies in the Tribune and South Goal stands’ safety have forced Barcelona to delay submitting their end of construction certificate
• The club faces a UEFA deadline of 28 August to confirm whether Camp Nou meets requirements for hosting Champions League fixtures

Licence Delay Threatens La Liga and Champions League Plans

Barcelona’s highly anticipated return to their iconic Spotify Camp Nou remains clouded with uncertainty, as regulatory hurdles and impending deadlines put the club’s plans at risk. The Catalan side had already arranged with La Liga to play their first three matches of the season away from home, but are facing an urgent timeline—just nine days—to secure the critical operational licence from the Barcelona City Council in order to reopen their stadium.

The initial reopening would allow 27,000 spectators, with intentions to gradually increase capacity to 60,000 in the coming months. However, progress has been hindered by the club’s recent setback in meeting the Council’s requirements.

Construction Certification Postponed Due to Safety Issues

To obtain the necessary licence, Barcelona must provide an end of construction certificate to the City Council. According to RAC1, the club has now requested an additional meeting with the Council in order to arrange a new delivery date for the certificate, having admitted it would not be ready as previously scheduled. Current indications suggest the certificate will not be produced before the end of the month, yet the club’s aim remains to host their home fixture against Valencia on 14 September at Camp Nou.

The cause of the delay centres on security shortcomings discovered in both the Tribune and South Goal stands—areas which have not yet met safety standards required to stage professional matches. Additional sections of the stadium also need further improvements.

UEFA Imposes Hard Deadline as European Fixture Uncertainty Looms

Barcelona’s return to Camp Nou for European nights is now in further doubt. The club must inform UEFA by 28 August—when the Champions League draw is conducted—if they can host fixtures at the stadium, in accordance with UEFA’s standards. Should Barcelona fail to obtain the Council’s operating licence before that point, they could be forced to play at Montjuic for Champions League matches, a prospect that would bring significant financial repercussions.