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Join on Telegram Barcelona’s return to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou has been dealt another setback, with the club now in danger of missing the target of reopening the stadium for the home fixture against Valencia on 14 September.
The project, originally due to be completed midway through last season, has been repeatedly pushed back. The latest deadline was set for the Joan Gamper Trophy earlier this month, but that too was missed.
No place feels like home 🥹🏟️ pic.twitter.com/xQfXGjvvHt
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 14, 2025
Club officials have since targeted the meeting with Valencia as a realistic date for a partial reopening, allowing up to 27,000 supporters into the ground. However, the permit required from Barcelona City Council has not yet been secured, raising the prospect that the match could even be played behind closed doors.
According to journalist Helena Condis, it “is a real possibility” that the occupation permit will not be issued in time. The club has already held talks with the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, their temporary home last season, but the venue is due to host a Post Malone concert on 12 September, only two days before the scheduled La Liga fixture.
Technical issues remain at Camp Nou itself. Reports in Spain state that deficiencies have been identified in the main stand and south goal sections – areas earmarked for reopening in the first phase of works. These irregularities affect both safety standards and operational requirements.
Barcelona have called a meeting with the City Council this week to discuss extending the delivery date for the final completion certificate. The document, initially expected just after the Gamper Trophy, is unlikely to be ready until the end of September.
That timeline leaves little margin ahead of the Champions League. UEFA requires confirmation by 28 August of which stadium will host Barcelona’s four home fixtures in the new league phase, beginning on 16-18 September.
The delays have put pressure on the club both on and off the pitch. A return to Camp Nou was seen as vital to restore matchday revenues after two years at Montjuic. Every further postponement has financial consequences, while the possibility of playing without fans would also affect the players in key matches.
For now, Barcelona remain officially committed to reopening the stadium against Valencia, but the outcome depends on fast-tracked negotiations with the authorities and visible progress on safety works in the coming weeks.
