FC Barcelona Postpones Camp Nou Return Due to Licensing Challenges

by July 18, 2025

FC Barcelona’s Return to Spotify Camp Nou Postponed

FC Barcelona’s much-anticipated return to the iconic Spotify Camp Nou has been postponed once more, with the club confirming that the annual Joan Gamper Trophy will be hosted at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10. This latest delay is attributed to ongoing licensing dilemmas that have hindered the necessary approvals for the stadium’s reopening.

Licensing Issues and Renovation Delays

The club revealed that the compliance requirements tied to the Ordinance Regulating Municipal Intervention Procedures in Construction Works have caused significant setbacks in securing the initial operating licenses required for the venue.

Initially, Barça had scheduled the Gamper Trophy match against Como as a symbolic kickoff for the stadium’s phased reopening following a two-year renovation project. Although some licenses have been granted, issues persist regarding security measures and access to the stadium, adding to the complex challenges facing the renovation progress.

The club emphasized that the extensive nature of the construction has made it difficult to fulfill all the necessary regulatory conditions, despite their efforts to reopen the venue progressively.

Current Stadium Capacity and Future Plans

Currently, the Johan Cruyff Stadium, which primarily serves as the home for the women’s team, holds only 6,000 spectators. During the two-season renovation period, Barcelona has been playing their home matches at the Olympic Stadium. The club’s original target was to resume activities at Camp Nou by November 2024, but this goal has faced repeated delays.

The hope was that the Gamper Trophy would serve as a testing phase in preparation for the new LaLiga season, with a spectator capacity estimated to be between 20,000 to 30,000 if the game could proceed at Camp Nou.

Ultimately, Barça is expected to continue playing its domestic fixtures at the reduced capacity of 50,000 to 60,000 throughout the upcoming season, as construction progresses. The club anticipates that the full completion of the renovations may not occur until the onset of the 2026-27 season, complicating their preparations for the season ahead, including their inaugural home match against Valencia slated for early September.

Looking Ahead

This situation highlights not only the logistical challenges of major renovations but also the ongoing need for effective planning in sports infrastructure development.

In other news, fans and analysts remain eager to discuss the trajectory of young player Lamine Yamal and the newly updated LaLiga fixtures, including key Clásico dates.