FC Barcelona’s long-awaited return to Spotify Camp Nou faces a dramatic twist, putting the iconic stadium’s reopening in jeopardy.
The club’s ambitious renovation project, aimed at transforming the historic stadium into a modern marvel, is hitting roadblocks that threaten to delay the long-awaited homecoming.
As the Blaugrana prepare for a packed schedule in La Liga and the Champions League, logistical and bureaucratic hurdles are complicating their plans.
According to AS, Barcelona has been informed by the City Council that their scheduled La Liga match against Real Sociedad later this month cannot take place at Montjuic due to the La Merce festivities.
A fireworks display near the Montjuic fountain, set for 10 pm, clashes with the 9 pm kickoff, making it impossible for fans to access or exit the stadium safely.
This development forces Barcelona into a race against time to reopen Camp Nou for the Real Sociedad game, their only chance to debut the revamped stadium this month.
However, Vice President Elena Fort has admitted there’s no guarantee the stadium will be ready, as the first occupancy document is still pending City Council approval.
The stakes are even higher for Barcelona’s Champions League ambitions.
UEFA has mandated that a domestic league match must be played at Camp Nou before the club can host their European opener against PSG there.
Failure to stage the Real Sociedad game at the new stadium could push Barcelona’s European home debut to Montjuic or delay their Camp Nou return further.
The club’s extended lease on the Estadi Olímpic until February offers a fallback, but it’s a far cry from the emotional and symbolic return to their historic home.
With time running out, Barcelona faces mounting pressure to resolve these issues.
The prospect of not returning to Camp Nou until 2026 looms large, testing the patience of fans and the club’s resolve.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Blaugrana can overcome these obstacles and step back into their iconic arena.
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