- Over 200 stadium safety issues
- Planned reopening now under huge threat
- Valencia clash may face venue change
Barca initially hoped to make their long-awaited return to the stadium with the Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Serie A side Como, but were forced to play the game, which they won 5-0, at the Estadi Johan Cruyff instead after being refused the proper licence. They now hope to play their first home game of the new La Liga campaign, but that plan has hit a major obstacle, with RAC1 reporting that an inspection uncovered more than 200 deficiencies in the first phase of renovation.
Camp Nou’s redevelopment, the largest in Barcelona‘s history, is a €1.5 billion project aimed at increasing capacity to 105,000 while adding a fully modernised roof, upgraded facilities, and cutting-edge technology. The Blaugrana secured a partial reopening license, allowing 27,000 fans in two stands, with capacity to be expanded in later phases. The Catalan side were granted a special request by La Liga, with their first matches of the season being played away from home to give them more time to get the stadium in order, but the scheduled clash against Valencia in September may still come too soon.
The European Clubs Association (ECA) technicians conducted the inspection, flagging at least 200 defects that must be resolved before Barca can reapply for the necessary matchday licenses. In addition to city authorities, La Liga and UEFA require a Certificate of Completion of Works before competitive matches can be hosted. The club had already asked to play its first three La Liga games away to buy time, but Valencia at home on September 14 was circled as the symbolic return. Now, that date hangs in the balance.
The board has just weeks to resolve the issues and secure licensing. If the reopening is delayed, Barca may need to find alternative venues for early home fixtures, a PR blow given how long fans have been promised a return. The coming month could decide whether Valencia becomes a homecoming party or another postponement.
