Barcelona Locks Down Emergency Stadium Deal as Camp Nou Crisis Deepens
Barcelona has allegedly arranged a contingency strategy in case Camp Nou cannot accommodate spectators during the opening months of the upcoming campaign.
The Catalan club has operated from Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuïc for the past two seasons, though they were anticipating a homecoming to Camp Nou for 2025–26 with limited seating capacity since the renovation work's final phase remains incomplete.
Barcelona aimed to host their traditional Joan Gamper Trophy before 60,000 supporters at Camp Nou, however they failed to obtain the required permit from municipal authorities. The event took place at Estadi Johan Cruyff instead, but its 6,000-seat capacity presents an unsustainable long-term option due to the severe financial consequences of operating at such a compact venue. Alternative proposals have included reducing capacity expectations by half to 30,000 to minimize the number of required sections.
La Liga approved the club's petition to schedule their opening three matches away from home, providing additional time to prepare Camp Nou for safe fan attendance. A comparable appeal has been submitted to UEFA for playing the inaugural Champions League fixture on the road.
However, Barça leadership seems to have acknowledged that relying on Camp Nou receiving timely approval isn't a sufficient strategy. Mundo Deportivo reports that arrangements have been finalized to utilize the Lluis Companys facility again, with terms extending through February.
The sole fixture Barcelona cannot stage at their interim venue is their season opener against Valencia scheduled for Sept. 13 or 14. The facility is reserved for a Post Malone performance on Friday, Sept. 12, making it unavailable for that weekend's match.
Should Camp Nou remain unsuitable for supporters, the club might contemplate hosting Valencia without spectators, or alternatively securing another venue meeting La Liga requirements. Currently, neither alternative appears to have been thoroughly investigated.