Barcelona’s long-awaited return to the Nou Camp has been delayed once again, with the Catalan giants set to play their next LaLiga fixture this week at a tiny 6,000-seater stadium.
The LaLiga holders haven’t played a match at their iconic ground since work on its reconstruction began back in 2023.
Barca had put plans in place to reopen their revamped home at a reduced 27,000 capacity ready for the start of this season, but delays meant this did not materialise.
With the club yet to receive approval from the city council, Hansi Flick and his players were forced to play their first home fixture of the season against Valencia on the weekend at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, which holds just 6,000.
And, in a huge blow to Barca supporters, the club have announced that this weekend’s clash against Getafe will also be held at the tiny ground where their women’s team and academy play their fixtures.
‘The club continues to work intensively to obtain the necessary administrative permits for the opening of Spotify Camp Nou in the near future,’ a statement read.
Barcelona’s long-awaited return to the iconic Nou Camp has been delayed once again
The Catalan giants will player their second home fixture of the season at the 6,000-seater Estadi Johan Cruyff
Their first fixture at the ground resulted in a 6-0 victory for Hansi Flick’s side over Valencia
Barca have been forced to relocate away from their home last season, the 55,000-capacity Estadi Lluis Companys, due to a Post Malone concert that took place at the ground earlier this month.
It remains unclear exactly when the Nou Camp will be reopened but, according to The Athletic, sources inside the club hope the first-team will be able to return to the legendary ground on September 28 when they host Real Sociedad.
While those at the club acknowledge that it ‘will be tight’, fans could be welcomed back to the stadium at a reduced capacity, perhaps near the 27,000 which was previously quoted.
With the Champions League back this week, and Barca’s first home fixture coming on October 1 against PSG, it’s yet to be seen whether the revamped Nou Camp will meet UEFA’s required criteria.
The £1.25 billion redevelopment of the famous stadium has suffered a host of setbacks since work began around two years ago.
Barca were originally scheduled to return last November, before revised deadlines of February and May this year also slipped. Their plan to stage the Joan Gamper Trophy at the Nou Camp in August was also abandoned due to the same issue.
The works are aimed at increasing capacity to 105,000 while adding new corporate facilities and a roof. Until construction is complete in 2026, the Nou Camp will operate at a reduced capacity of around 50,000 to 60,000. For now, even that is out of reach.
LaLiga have been informed of the situation, with Barcelona unable to obtain the ‘First Occupancy Licence’ required to welcome fans back into the ground.
The city council has made clear it cannot grant permission until the club has presented a final works certificate, something still outstanding.
