Barça Delays Camp Nou Return for 45,000 Seats

Barcelona have once again altered their plans to return to the iconic Camp Nou, announcing on Tuesday that they will only move back once they are granted permission to host up to 45,000 supporters.

The Spanish champions’ decision marks yet another delay in the long-awaited reopening of their home ground, which has been under renovation for more than a year.

The club had initially aimed to return in November 2024, but that timeline has been repeatedly pushed back due to construction and licensing issues.

Barcelona were previously expecting to reopen the stadium once they received approval to accommodate 27,000 fans, a licence they had hoped to secure last month.

However, the club has now opted to wait for clearance to expand the temporary capacity to 45,000, a move that is likely to cause further postponements.

The redevelopment of Camp Nou, estimated to cost around €1.5 billion (£1.3 billion), has faced numerous setbacks and logistical challenges.

“Although it is expected to soon receive the first occupancy licence for phase 1A, Barcelona will work to return to Spotify Camp Nou once the licence for phase 1B is obtained, which will expand the capacity to 45,000 spectators,” the club said in a statement. No date was given for when this might happen.

Barcelona’s early-season struggles off the pitch were compounded when they were forced to play two home matches at their 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium after failing to secure the necessary safety permits.

The city council in September had refused permission for Barcelona to return to Camp Nou, citing safety concerns, even as work continues to expand the ground’s eventual capacity to 105,000.

The Catalan side confirmed that their upcoming La Liga fixture against Girona on October 18 will take place at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc Hill, where they have been playing since the closure of Camp Nou.

Their next Champions League tie against Olympiakos on October 21 will also be held there, followed by home games against Elche on November 2 and Athletic Bilbao on November 23.