After a strong start to their Segunda División campaign, FC Andorra played their first home match of the season last Sunday against Burgos at their new ground – the Andorran Football Federation (FAF) Stadium in Encamp.

Why the change of venue?

The decision dates back to February 2025, when the Andorran government and FAF began discussions over the future of the Estadi Nacional. Plans included sharing the venue with the rugby national team and replacing the pitch with artificial turf. Gerard Piqué, former Barcelona player and majority shareholder of FC Andorra, opposed the move, arguing that the club had already invested more than €4 million into the stadium, which at that time was the only ground in the country meeting LaLiga standards.

The situation shifted in the summer, when the opening ceremony of the Games of the Small States of Europe damaged the Estadi Nacional pitch. As a result, FC Andorra relocated to Encamp, where they had previously played their promotion play-offs, making the FAF Stadium their new home.

The agreement runs until May 30, 2026. The club will pay €800,000 for nine months of use, half of which will be covered by the government. Should the team qualify for the play-offs, an additional fee will be required for each match hosted in Encamp.

Agreement with unresolved issues

Despite the deal being signed, several points of contention remain. According to Diari d’Andorra, a conflict has emerged over advertising rights. The club insists it should have the authority to attract sponsors and control advertising space on matchdays, while the federation claims ownership of those rights.

This dispute is significant, as sponsorship – along with television revenue – is a vital source of income for Segunda División clubs. Any limitation in this area could pose a serious financial challenge for the Tricolors.

Another sensitive issue is the stadium’s name. FAF is negotiating with banks Morabanc and Andbank over naming rights. This carries the risk of a conflict of interest, as Morabanc is already FC Andorra’s main sponsor.

© FC Andorra

A modern facility

The Encamp Stadium seats 5,200 spectators and, after two and a half years of construction, aims to be a benchmark of quality. The project cost €14.8 million, excluding the final stage – the club headquarters – which is expected to be completed by year’s end. Though minor finishing touches are still underway, the stadium is considered state-of-the-art. It features five spacious locker rooms, warm-up and activation zones, and eco-friendly solutions such as solar panels and a rainwater collection system. In the future, if additional UEFA or FIFA funding is secured, covering the two open stands will be considered.

National team matches and future plans

The Andorra national team will play its first official match at the venue on October 14 against Serbia, accompanied by a symbolic opening ceremony. In addition to national team fixtures, the stadium will host selected league matches when FC Andorra play away. Meanwhile, the women’s national team and the U-21 side will continue to play at Estadi Nacional.