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WHAT HAPPENED?
Work to modernise the legendary Camp Nou began in June 2022. The project was aimed at transforming the stadium into the largest in European football with a capacity of 105,000, and the goal was to partially re-open the ground in time for the club’s 125th anniversary on November 29, 2024. However, that plan has now been adjusted, with the latest club statement indicating that a return will only be possible during the “second half” of the 2024/25 season.
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Getty ImagesWHAT BARCELONA’S VICE-PRESIDENT SAID
At a press conference on Monday, vice-president Elena Fort provided an update on the situation, emphasising that the club is making progress, though there are no confirmed dates.
“There are no exact dates to return to the stadium. We can’t say right now, but we are on the correct path,” she said.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Athletic report that the new target for the club’s return to Camp Nou is in late January or early February 2025. One critical factor influencing the timeline is the requirement set by UEFA, which prefers teams competing in the Champions League to hold all their group stage home games at the same venue. Barcelona’s last home match in the league stage is scheduled for January 29, 2025, against Atalanta. Any request to switch venues before the league phase concludes would require UEFA’s approval, which may further complicate the return timeline.
Barcelona’s next domestic home game after that will take place during the first weekend of February when they are set to host Deportivo Alaves in La Liga. This match could potentially mark the club’s long-awaited return to their refurbished stadium.
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Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?
Barcelona have already extended their rental contract for the Montjuic until March 31, 2025, which further indicates that they intend to use the facilities beyond 2024. However, the shift to the smaller stadium has had financial implications for the club. Last week, Barcelona released a statement confirming that the move has resulted in a revenue loss of over €100 million (£84m/$110m) from matchdays and their popular club museum.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
While fans eagerly await the return to their beloved Camp Nou, Barcelona’s continued success on the pitch provides some consolation during this period of transition. They sit atop La Liga having secured 24 points from their opening nine games, three more than Real Madrid. After the international break, they will return to action on October 20 with a home match against Sevilla.
