Deputy mayor for security says ball is in Barcelona’s court
Barcelona will not return to Camp Nou this autumn after city officials confirmed the club have yet to meet the requirements needed to reopen the stadium.
The Catalan side had targeted an early-season return to their traditional home ground but the extent of work on the stadium has delayed that.
The club have now secured the right to play their home games up to February at the Olympic Stadium at Montjuic, where they played last season, while redevelopment work continues at Camp Nou.
Albert Batlle, Barcelona’s deputy mayor for security, told Catalan radio station RAC1 that supporters should not expect an immediate return.
“[The Olympic Stadium] will probably have to be used for a few more months,” said Batlle. “The club have not submitted the certificate of completion of works. Today, it has not met the conditions to apply for the initial opening licence.”
Barcelona had planned to stage the traditional Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou earlier this month but abandoned the plans after they failed to meet requirements. The club then asked La Liga to schedule their first three league matches away from home.
Hopes of facing Valencia in mid September at the redeveloped stadium now appear unrealistic, with Champions League group games also certain to be staged at Montjuic.
The delay is another setback for the club, who have left supporters hanging for a long time after promising at least a partial reopening of Camp Nou in 2025.
Batlle said: “Barca knows what it must do. Then those responsible for the works will have to certify the completion of the works and the city council’s inspection teams will have to make their reports.
“The ball at this point – and this is never better said – is in Barca’s court. They must comply with the conditions.”
