Barcelona’s Return to Spotify Camp Nou Faces Delays
Barcelona’s highly anticipated return to their home ground, Spotify Camp Nou, next month is facing unforeseen delays due to complications surrounding the necessary licenses for the stadium’s reopening, according to sources cited by ESPN. The club recently scheduled the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como for August 10, which is intended as the first event post-renovations that have kept Camp Nou closed for two years.
Licensing and Security Concerns
Before they can host this match, FC Barcelona must secure various permits from the local authorities, and club insiders have indicated that a decision regarding these permissions will be made soon, following upcoming inspections. Although some licensing approvals have already been obtained, concerns persist about the security measures required for stadium access.
Alternative Venues Considered
In light of the situation, Barcelona is considering alternative venues for the match, with Stadi Johan Cruyff—a much smaller facility with a capacity of 6,000—as a potential option. For the past two seasons, the club has played its home games at the Olympic Stadium while Camp Nou undergoes its extensive renovations.
Timeline and Future Matches
Initially, the club had aimed for a return to Camp Nou in November 2024, but that timeline has shifted repeatedly. The recent decision to host the Joan Gamper Trophy there is seen as a test run ahead of the upcoming LaLiga season. If the event takes place in the revamped stadium, attendance will likely be limited to between 20,000 and 30,000 fans.
Following the match, Barcelona has a month to prepare for their first home league fixture against Valencia, slated for early September, after receiving permission from LaLiga to start their campaign with three away games. Renovation efforts will continue throughout the new season, with a full completion currently projected for the beginning of the 2026-27 season. Until then, the club will be able to accommodate home games with reduced spectator capacity between 50,000 to 60,000.
