The new La Liga season is in full swing, and Barcelona supporters are eagerly awaiting their team’s return to a fully refurbished Spotify Camp Nou.
Renovation work has been progressing at pace, but delays have continued to create uncertainty over the availability of the stadium for early fixtures.
Fans have been keeping a close eye on announcements from the club.
Meanwhile, UEFA requirements for Champions League group stage matches add an extra layer of complexity, meaning Barcelona must have a guaranteed venue ready.
These circumstances have forced the club to explore alternative solutions while hoping for a smooth return to their historic ground.
In a significant development, Barcelona have finalised a contingency plan to ensure they are not left without a home ground should the return to Spotify Camp Nou be delayed beyond September.
Mundo Deportivo reports that the Catalans have signed an agreement with Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM), securing the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys for use until the end of February.
This arrangement would cover the entire UEFA Champions League group phase, including a potential playoff if the team finishes between ninth and 24th places.
The move follows the City Council’s refusal to issue the Licence of First Occupancy in late July, which prevented the Joan Gamper Trophy from taking place at Camp Nou on 10 August.
Club president Joan Laporta has reiterated that returning to Camp Nou remains the priority, but a formal plan B is now in place.
Under the agreement with BSM, Montjuïc would host all four home games in the Champions League’s new format, in compliance with UEFA regulations requiring matches to be staged in the same stadium.
Suppliers have also been instructed to remain on standby should the Estadi Olímpic be needed at short notice.
The one exception to this deal is Barcelona’s first league clash against Valencia on 13 or 14 September, which the club still hopes to host at Camp Nou.
If the stadium is not ready, options include playing behind closed doors or moving to a La Liga-approved venue, with Girona’s Estadi Montilivi as the nearest feasible alternative.
UEFA have rejected Barcelona’s request to delay their European home debut, meaning the group stage opener will go ahead according to the draw scheduled for 28 August, with the official fixture calendar confirmed on 30 August.
This carefully arranged contingency ensures Barcelona are prepared for all scenarios, safeguarding their Champions League and domestic commitments while work continues at the iconic Spotify Camp Nou.
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