Barcelona acknowledges the challenge of returning to Camp Nou, as suggested by MARCA reports.
Barcelona acknowledges the challenge of returning to Camp Nou, as suggested by MARCA reports.
As per unnamed sources, MARCA announced that FC Barcelona is easing into the acceptance that they won't be gracing their Spotify Camp Nou stadium this season unless an unlikely event transpires.
Barca ceased playing in their legendary arena after clinching the La Liga title under Xavi Hernandez in 2022/2023, to initiate a major renovation, hoped to be completed by the time the club celebrated its 125th anniversary on November 29 this year.
Rumors had suggested other dates in December and even towards the end of January, but the club itself has held back from setting a definite date.
UEFA regulations, which stipulate that Champions League participants cannot shift home grounds during its initial league phase, led to speculation that February 16 against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga might be the date of the anticipated comeback.
This is based on the fact that Barca's last home game in the Champions League falls on January 29 against Atalanta. With the date for the mid-February game approaching, MARCA reported that Barca's board of directors are "acknowledging that the first team will likely not return to the Camp Nou this season unless an extraordinary event occurs that no longer holds any credibility".
The pace of construction isn't progressing at the expected rate, and there are "unresolved matters" that will make it challenging for the team to return during this campaign, necessitating a stay at Montjuic as a consequence.
These unnamed club sources, who conversed with the Spanish newspaper, have reiterated this uncertainty and see a return in 2024/2025 as "almost impossible".
Certain technical aspects of the renovation, such as emergency exits, are still under review, while the grass would need a couple of months to stabilize if it were to be laid in mid-January, as projected.
In addition, the UEFA rule concerning the UCL league phase also applies to the knockout rounds, necessitating that these rounds be played in the same stadium.
Consequently, Barca's potential return to the Camp Nou might be directly tied to their performance in Europe under Hansi Flick.
Despite FC Barcelona hoping to return to their renovated Camp Nou stadium for its 125th anniversary on November 29, unresolved issues are causing delays. As a result, Real Madrid's former coach, Xavi Hernandez, may have to lead his team at the Montjuic stadium for an extended period. The return to Camp Nou in La Liga, initially scheduled for February 16 against Rayo Vallecano, now seems uncertain due to the unresolved matters and UEFA regulations, which may extend Barca's stay in Europe under Hansi Flick.