Barcelona make special Champions League request to UEFA as Joan Laporta opens up on Camp Nou return delays

Joan Laporta has addressed the delays in Barcelona returning to the Camp Nou, while also confirming that they have made a special request to UEFA.

  • Laporta discusses setbacks in Camp Nou renovations
  • Addresses the Joan Gamper Trophy mishap
  • Affirms ‘s unique plea to UEFA

Barcelona make special Champions League request to UEFA as Joan Laporta opens up on Camp Nou return delaysBarcelona make special Champions League request to UEFA as Joan Laporta opens up on Camp Nou return delaysBarcelona make special Champions League request to UEFA as Joan Laporta opens up on Camp Nou return delays

Barcelona’s Camp Nou Saga: Laporta Reveals UEFA Request Amid Renovation Hurdles

In the midst of ongoing renovations at Camp Nou, Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta has disclosed a strategic appeal to UEFA for their fixtures. This move aims to navigate strict regulations that prohibit switching home venues mid-competition, potentially disrupting the club’s plans to host matches at their revamped stadium during the league phase.

Challenges in Barcelona’s Camp Nou Return Timeline

Barcelona has faced repeated setbacks in fulfilling their pledges for returning to Camp Nou. Early projections aimed for a comeback by the end of 2024, but these have been repeatedly deferred. The club had high hopes for staging the Joan Gamper Trophy match on August 10, backed by approvals for necessary construction and activity permits. Yet, the absence of the crucial First Occupancy License from local authorities led to relocating the event against to Estadi Johan Cruyff. This could compel Barcelona to revert to Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys for their initial Champions League home match, locking them into that venue for the entire opening stage of the tournament.

Laporta’s Insights on UEFA Negotiations

During a recent discussion with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta elaborated: “We’ve put forward a request to UEFA to start our campaign with an away fixture. The draw happens on August 28, and we’ll know more then. I’m optimistic about UEFA granting this, as our ties with them are strengthening. I hold great admiration for President Aleksander Ceferin’s leadership, and I believe we can count on their support.”

Financial Implications of Camp Nou Delays for Barcelona

Laporta has openly acknowledged that prolonged postponements could significantly strain Barcelona’s budget, particularly if the return is delayed until January 2026. This scenario echoes broader challenges in European football, where clubs like have successfully managed similar projects, returning to Santiago Bernabéu in 2021 after a €800 million overhaul, highlighting the economic stakes involved.

“We haven’t entertained the idea of not going back at all. Our financial plans for the upcoming season, including all agreements tied to our funding deals, are built around reoccupying Spotify Camp Nou,” he stated. “Any deviation would require a complete overhaul. We’ve navigated tough times before, but we remain vigilant against surprises. Our goal is a swift return to Spotify Camp Nou to honor every aspect of our Goldman Sachs financing arrangement.”

Future Outlook and Key Decisions

Currently, Barcelona may not resume operations at Camp Nou until early 2026. For the 2025-26 season kickoff, they’ll likely designate Montjuic Stadium as their temporary base. The team plans to update La Liga and UEFA on their Camp Nou status by mid-August, with fingers crossed to satisfy municipal requirements and secure the First Occupancy License ahead of the September Champions League start. Recent reports indicate that stadium renovations across Europe have boosted attendance by up to 15% post-completion, underscoring the potential rewards for Barcelona once resolved.