Barcelona’s return to Spotify Camp Nou likely to be pushed to next season – report | OneFootball

Barcelona, following the re-election of Joan Laporta as president, undertook the huge renovation project of the club’s iconic Camp Nou stadium and other linked facilities.

The project, named Espai Barça, was handed to Turkish company Limak. This decision raised eyebrows, but the club hierarchy defended its choice, citing the low cost and the guarantee that the team could return to play their matches in January 2025.

While the stadium would not be fully completed, it was expected to have a capacity of 60,000 spectators and be ready for football matches.

Return to Camp Nou next season?

However, things have not gone as planned, and the outlook is not promising.

Indeed, according to MARCA, the works at Spotify Camp nou are not yet finished in this first phase, and it will still take time before they are.

The board had previously stated that the team would return to the stadium by February at the earliest, primarily because the construction was not progressing as expected.

Additionally, UEFA regulations require the team to play all its group-stage Champions League matches in the same stadium, with two rounds scheduled for January. However, from this point onwards, it is unclear when the team will be able to return.

Everything points to a possible return next season, as the club must inform UEFA by February 21 at the latest regarding the stadium where they will play their second-round matches.

The Blaugrana are not very optimistic that Camp Nou will be completed by that date.

Last week, Barcelona president Joan Laporta was asked about the return date. He declined to provide a specific timeframe, fully aware of the challenges the club is facing.

“We have always said that we will return when the appropriate conditions are in place. If unforeseen circumstances arise, there is nothing we can do,” he stated.

“It is not a bed of roses. The return? We want it to happen as soon as possible, but we must comply with UEFA’s regulations.”