FC Barcelona has already received permission from the Barcelona City Council to carry out noise-free work at the stadium without time restrictions, but they must first find and train new workers to assist with the renovation.

They have permission but no workers…

On September 12, FC Barcelona requested permission from the City Council to conduct noise-free work at Spotify Camp Nou for a month without time restrictions. The council has already granted approval, but now the club must find and train new workers to complete the work according to the agreements between Barça and the construction company Limak.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the recruitment and training process could take several weeks, while the 24-hour work permit is already in effect, which is working against the club. If these processes aren't expedited, the work will only be possible for a few days before the City Council's permit expires. Of course, the permit could be extended if Barça reaches an agreement on maintaining these hours in their next meeting with the Les Corts district councilors and local residents.

© Espai Héctor

More delays

The initial plans of FC Barcelona aimed for the return to Camp Nou to coincide, at least partially, with the club’s 125th anniversary. This seemed certain last year. Then, December and the beginning of 2025 were mentioned as the target dates for reopening the new stadium, but those plans have since faced reality. According to the latest estimates, Barça won't be able to play at Camp Nou until at least April. The delay is most likely due to the internal installation work.

Have the fans already been informed?

Additionally, the necessary permits and bureaucracy must be sorted to ensure the stadium meets all safety requirements to host football matches and accommodate over 60,000 spectators in the first phase of reopening. For now, the word from Barcelona is that the work will be completed by the end of December, with the second half of the season kicking off at Camp Nou. Season ticket holders for games at Montjuïc were informed that they only paid for ten scheduled matches, but the club has already left the option open to extend their stay at the Olympic Stadium. This seems likely, as ARA reports that VIP box renters have already been notified that the return to Camp Nou will not happen until April.

© FC Barcelona