Barcelona have been working round the clock to ready the Spotify Camp Nou ahead of the new season, with major renovation efforts ongoing.
The club’s ambition to reopen in August has driven fast-paced construction, particularly on key access routes and spectator tiers.
On-site inspections and paperwork have moved forward, yet meeting every safety and occupancy requirement remains a challenge.
Meanwhile, LaLiga officials have been actively engaged, expressing cautious optimism about the stadium being ready for early fixtures.
Ahead of a crucial period filled with domestic and European matches, there’s a clear push to ensure infrastructure is fully operational.
Now, with the iconic Joan Gamper Trophy scheduled for 10 August, Barcelona finds itself at a crossroads.
Despite significant progress, the club is yet to receive the essential first-occupancy licence from the city council.
As indicated by sources within Barca, reopening the stadium for the Gamper without full certification poses too great a risk—even with ideas floated to permit a reduced crowd of 30,000–32,000.
Instead, the club are now targeting the weekend of 14 September, when LaLiga opponents Valencia are due to visit, as a more viable reopening date, as per Diario Sport.
The club expect to receive the licence shortly and consider the LaLiga fixture a safer launching pad.
According to multiple reports: “Barca is close to cancelling the celebration of the Joan Gamper Trophy… the final decision will be made before this Friday, although all signs point to the Gamper not being played at the Camp Nou.”
Barcelona’s ambition has shifted to completing remaining works in the first- and second-tier zones and underground sections, along with finalising external access points.
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Despite submitting preliminary applications and receiving approval for modified licences, the final inspection is still pending.
The club has made clear that pushing forward prematurely could compromise safety and reputation.
As a result, definitive solutions are being discussed this week.
Options include relocating the opening match to the Johan Cruyff Stadium in the training complex—on the same date—or postponing the Gamper entirely, though fixture congestion makes that unlikely.
The club have contractual obligations with Como and broadcasters, so abandonment isn’t possible.
Expect an official update by Friday, as Diario Sport reports.
With UEFA Champions League regulations requiring stadium confirmation by 18 September, Barcelona have a short window to ensure the Camp Nou is prepared.
A successful reopening on 14 September would satisfy LaLiga and European requirements—while the Gamper likely moves to the training ground or into limbo.
Barcelona fans will be keenly awaiting Friday’s announcement.
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