FC Barcelona is counting down the days to the scheduled return to Camp Nou. The problem is that the stadium still lacks the required permits, and some construction work remains unfinished.

Final works before opening

The most visible progress in recent days concerns the entrances to the stadium. Workers are removing rubble and construction waste, clearing the approaches that fans will soon use. In the first phase of reopening, Camp Nou will host around 27,000 spectators. At the same time, stairways on Travessera de Les Corts and pavements around the venue are being completed to improve access.

Inside the stadium, finishing work is being accelerated. Painting and cleaning are underway, the players’ tunnel is nearly complete, and the area between the outer ring and the stands is in its final finishing stage.

Certificates still pending

The biggest issue remains formalities. Barça has not yet received the certificate of completion (CFO) for the main stand and the Gol Sur section, without which the City Council cannot issue the occupancy license. The club expected the documents last week, but they did not arrive.

According to RAC1, the stands and the southern goal areas still have deficiencies that compromise safety, and improvements in other parts of the stadium required to host a professional match are also missing. In this situation, Barcelona intends to renegotiate with the council for a new deadline to obtain the certificate.

© Espai Héctor

Difficult dialogue between Laporta and Collboni

Relations with the city council, headed by mayor Jaume Collboni, are tense. Laporta managed to secure preliminary approval to open the stadium in phases, but council technicians and the fire department remain firm on safety requirements. They demand improvements to access routes and emergency exits.

Under pressure from these demands, Barça’s board has decided to accelerate work on access infrastructure. This is seen as another step toward securing the license and getting closer to the long-awaited return.

Montjuïc as a backup plan

Although the club officially maintains the September 14 date, internally a Plan B is being prepared. It would mean continuing at Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc at least until January, covering the group stage of the Champions League. The situation is further complicated by the fact that a concert is scheduled at Montjuïc on September 12, just two days before Barça’s match against Valencia.

UEFA requires all group stage matches to be played at the same stadium. Therefore, if Barça registers Montjuïc as the European venue, it would likely have to play there until the end of the year. This would be financially disadvantageous, since the new Camp Nou would generate significantly higher revenues than the temporary stadium. A final decision will be made within 7 days.

© Espai Héctor