Barcelona have been given new hope in their efforts of returning to Camp Nou next month, with alternative plans collapsing around them.
- Barcelona have received the final construction certificate
- Tuesday will determine if stadium can host the Valencia match
- Alternative options scarce after La Liga denied fixture reversal
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona have been handed a significant boost in their race to reopen the Camp Nou in time for their first home match of the season against Valencia on September 14. According to a report from , the club received the final construction certificate for the first phase of the stadium's redevelopment on Monday. This crucial step keeps the possibility of a return to their iconic home alive, though it is contingent on a final inspection by the Barcelona City Council scheduled for Tuesday.
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- AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The positive development comes as Barcelona's alternative plans have hit roadblocks. The club's temporary home for the 2024-25 season, the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic, is unavailable for the Valencia fixture weekend as it is hosting a Post Malone concert two days before the game is scheduled. Furthermore, according to reports from , La Liga will not grant Barcelona's request to reverse the fixture and play it at Valencia's Mestalla stadium, as league rules prohibit altering the calendar order. This has left the Blaugrana scrambling for a venue, with Girona's Montilivi stadium being considered the most viable backup plan.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The initial capacity of the reopened Camp Nou will be just 27,000 spectators. To meet UEFA requirements for the Champions League, the club need to complete a further phase of construction to open more seating. To buy crucial time, UEFA has reportedly accepted an unofficial request from Barcelona to be drawn to play their first group stage match away from home.
- AFP
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
All eyes are now on Tuesday's inspection by the Barcelona City Council. The outcome of this visit will be the decisive factor in whether the club can obtain the necessary permits and activity license to host the Valencia match at the Camp Nou. A tight deadline looms, as by Thursday, August 28, the club must also confirm their chosen home stadium to UEFA ahead of the Champions League group stage draw. If the Camp Nou is not approved in time, Hansi Flick's side will have to finalise an agreement to play at an alternative venue, likely Montilivi, for their long-awaited home debut.
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