The Barcelona City Council has issued a critical update on the long-awaited partial reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou.
As the club navigates logistical and administrative challenges, the focus has shifted to securing necessary approvals to ensure a safe and compliant reopening.
With fans eagerly awaiting the return to Camp Nou, recent developments underscore the complexities involved in striking a balance between ambition and practical realities.
According to Diario Sport, Barcelona’s vice president of the social area, Antonio Escudero, has openly addressed the delays plaguing the Spotify Camp Nou renovation, pointing to unrealistic promises made by technical planners.
Escudero revealed that initial timelines did not align with reality, causing unrest within the board. He noted, “Promises have been made that did not fit with reality and the programmes of the works.”
While some board members pushed for a swift return, Escudero advocated for caution, favoring continued use of the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc, where Barcelona will host their upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Escudero’s skepticism proved prescient, as he had warned that returning to Camp Nou on the proposed timeline was “impossible.”
The club now faces pressure to secure the first occupancy permit from the City Council before their next home game against Girona, scheduled for the weekend of October 18-19.
The City Council’s requirements have highlighted issues that must be addressed to ensure safety and compliance, thereby delaying the return to Camp Nou.
As Barcelona continues to play home matches at the Olympic Stadium, the board remains focused on addressing these challenges.
Escudero emphasized the importance of realistic planning, criticizing overly optimistic projections by technicians.
The club’s priority is to obtain final approval from the City Council, ensuring fans can safely return to a fully operational Spotify Camp Nou.
With the renovation project at a critical juncture, Barcelona’s leadership is working diligently to align expectations with reality, aiming for a triumphant homecoming.
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