In a dramatic twist, FC Barcelona has unveiled a surprising solution for their eagerly awaited La Liga clash against Valencia.
The club is navigating uncertainties surrounding the availability of their iconic stadium, prompting strategic preparations to ensure the match proceeds smoothly.
With a tight timeline and external factors at play, Barcelona’s board is working diligently to confirm a venue that aligns with the club’s ambitions and La Liga’s requirements.
Amid delays in securing the necessary permits for the renovated Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona has secured Estadi Johan Cruyff as a backup venue for the Valencia clash on September 14, as reported by Diario Sport.
The club had hoped to mark their return to Camp Nou, which is undergoing redevelopment, for this fixture, targeting an initial capacity of 27,000.
However, the Final Works Certificate for Phase 1A and the First Occupancy Licence from the Barcelona City Council remain pending.
The board aims to finalize the venue decision by early next week to meet La Liga’s logistical deadlines.
The Estadi Johan Cruyff, located at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, is home to Barça Atletic and the Femeni team.
Its availability was ensured after scheduling the women’s team’s match against DUX Logrono on September 12, allowing two days to prepare the pitch for the men’s game.
Although the stadium’s 6,000-seat capacity falls below La Liga’s usual 8,000-seat minimum, the league has agreed to waive this requirement given the exceptional circumstances, avoiding sanctions or the need for costly structural expansions.
To comply with La Liga standards, additional cameras will be installed at Estadi Johan Cruyff to support the league’s VAR and semi-automatic offside technology, which exceeds the stadium’s existing low-cost VAR setup used for women’s matches.
Barcelona’s proactive approach, including an agreement to use Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys until February, reflects their commitment to ensuring fans can support the team despite a conflicting Post Malone concert on September 12.
This strategic planning underscores Barcelona’s adaptability in the face of ongoing stadium uncertainties.
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