At a key moment of the reconstruction, the Urban Guard stopped the works for a breach of the schedule. Barcelona still hopes to kick off both La Liga and Champions League matches at the Camp Nou, but despite the progress made, the club does not yet have the necessary permits.

10 days to go until the Barca-Valencia game and still no venue

Time is running out for FC Barcelona. There are 10 days to go until the Barca-Valencia, a match in which the intention is to have two of the four stands at Camp Nou open: Tribuna and Gol Sur. And 27 days for the Barca-PSG game, when Lateral will also have to open, as it’s an UEFA requirement for the Blaugrana to be able to play the Champions League at their stadium. And such is the rush that Limak is working after hours.

According to SER, on Sunday the Urban Guard had to intervene in Les Corts due to work outside the agreed timetable. Workers are allowed to work from Monday to Friday from 8am to midnight, and on Saturdays from 10am to 8pm. The infringement is therefore very obvious, and as a result Limak will have to face a formal complaint and possibly a fine.

© Espai Héctor | The current working hours are the result of negotiations with the residents of Les Corts.

Security cools down the permits

What cannot be denied is that progress is already visible on the entrances, which have been cleared in recent days. Even so, according to several sources and contrary to what was said last week, the club still does not have the Certificate of Completion due to deficiencies in signage inside the stadium.Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni assured that his priority is the safety of the return to the Camp Nou. The technicians will have the last word, he made clear.

But the reality is that even after obtaining the Certificate of Completion, the City Council, or rather the company Dekra on its behalf, together with the fire brigade, must inspect the stadium and only then could it process the First Occupation Licence. And with every hour that passes without Barcelona getting the certificate, the option of returning to the Camp Nou for the 14th loses momentum, and the option of playing at Estadi Johan Cruyff gains probability.

It is also unclear whether they will arrive in time for the Barca-Getafe game a week later, but by then - as well as for the Champions League – the plan B would be to play at Montjuic. According to SER, UEFA would be willing to make an exception and allow Barca to return later on to Camp Nou even if they kick off the group stage at the olympic stadium.

© Enric | Despite the fact that the Estadi Johan Cruyff has only 6,000 seats, La Liga would allow for Barca to play there.