Barcelona’s Camp Nou return delayed again


   Barcelona have signed an agreement to use the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys until the end of February as uncertainty continues over their return to the Spotify Camp Nou.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the deal with Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM) ensures Montjuic will be available for the entire Champions League group phase and a potential play-off if the team finishes between ninth and 24th place.

The move follows the City Council’s refusal in late July to grant the Licence of First Occupancy, which prevented the Joan Gamper Trophy from being played at Camp Nou on August 10.

President Joan Laporta has reiterated that the club’s priority is to return to Camp Nou, but the contingency plan provides security should the delays continue. The agreement guarantees UEFA requirements are met, with all four home games of the new league phase locked in at the same stadium.

Suppliers have also been placed on standby in case Montjuic is needed at short notice.

However, the deal does not cover Barcelona’s first scheduled La Liga home fixture against Valencia on September 13 or 14. The club still hopes to stage that match at Camp Nou, but if permission is not granted, Montjuic is unavailable due to a Post Malone concert taking place on 12 September.

Alternative solutions have been explored. Options include playing behind closed doors at Camp Nou or moving the game to another La Liga-approved stadium with VAR facilities. Girona’s Estadi Montilivi is the nearest possibility, although the club insists no talks have taken place. Espanyol’s Cornella-El Prat has not been considered.

Barcelona have also asked UEFA to schedule their opening Champions League group fixture away from home between September 16-18, allowing more time to prepare for a home debut in the second round. That request was rejected, with the final schedule dependent on the draw on August 28 and confirmation of the calendar on August 30.

The agreement ensures Barcelona will not be left without a venue for European competition, but doubts remain over their first La Liga home game of the season.

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