Barcelona’s long-awaited homecoming to the newly revamped Nou Camp has hit another roadblock. The Spanish giants had hoped to kick off their LaLiga campaign in Catalonia, but the stadium still isn’t ready, forcing the club to relocate their upcoming clash against Valencia.
Barca Moves Match to Estadi Johan Cruyff
Instead of the iconic Nou Camp, Barca will now host Los Che at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, a much smaller venue holding just 6,000 spectators.
The club confirmed the change on Tuesday, explaining that they are “working intensively to obtain the necessary administrative permits for the opening of the Spotify Camp Nou in the coming weeks.”
The statement also thanked fans for their patience, acknowledging the challenges of reopening a stadium in the middle of such a complex redevelopment project.
A £1.25 Billion Project Marred by Delays
The Nou Camp’s transformation, which began in 2023, has faced repeated delays.
Originally, Barcelona had planned to return last November, then February, then May of this year—but each deadline passed without a reopening.
Even staging the Joan Gamper Trophy at the stadium in August had to be scrapped.
The ambitious project aims to expand capacity to 105,000 while adding corporate facilities and a roof.
Until completion in 2026, the stadium was meant to operate at a reduced 50,000–60,000 capacity—but even that milestone remains out of reach.
Administrative Hurdles Prevent Fan Return
Barcelona cannot welcome fans back without the “First Occupancy Licence” from the city council.
Officials have made clear that they need a final works certificate before granting permission, which the club has yet to present.
LaLiga has been informed and appears satisfied that temporary arrangements at the Johan Cruyff stadium meet basic requirements such as VAR and fibre-optic connectivity.
Valencia Reacts to the Venue Change
Valencia forward Diego Lopez admitted surprise at the late uncertainty, speaking just five days before the match.
“It doesn’t matter to us. What we have to do is prepare well for the match because the opponent is the same,” he said.
Lopez added that the situation should have been resolved sooner, both for the players and the fans.
“I find it incredible that five days before the match, we still don’t know,” he said, urging hopes that the issue gets sorted quickly.
Hansi Flick Awaits Home Dugout Debut
Barca coach Hansi Flick, who won the league in his first season while the Nou Camp was closed, has been waiting more than a year to finally stand in the home dugout.
The club’s board scrambled into last-minute meetings to secure a solution, ultimately confirming the Estadi Johan Cruyff as the venue.
The stadium usually hosts Barca B and the women’s team, and the league has deemed the temporary setup suitable for top-flight play.
Controversy Over the 6,000-Fan Setting
Playing a LaLiga fixture in front of just 6,000 fans has sparked some discontent.
El Chiringuito reported that several clubs are considering challenging the decision, arguing that such an intimate setting could give Barcelona an unfair advantage.
Getafe, who face Barca at their next home match after Valencia, may even lodge a formal protest. LaLiga rules usually require a minimum capacity of 15,000, and some clubs see this as preferential treatment for Barcelona.
Looking Ahead to the Champions League
Barcelona are expected to defend their plan as a “force majeure” situation, citing circumstances beyond their control.
However, with the Champions League group stage opener against Paris Saint-Germain set for October 1, UEFA will also be monitoring progress closely to ensure the Nou Camp can host Europe’s elite in time.
For now, Barca fans will have to make do with the smaller Johan Cruyff stadium while waiting for the grand reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou.