Barcelona's Camp Nou Comeback Hits Another Snag: What's Behind the Latest Setback?

Barcelona's anticipated return to Camp Nou faces another setback, with the Catalan club set to host their upcoming fixture against Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Montjuïc rather than their traditional home.

The massive $1.5 billion renovation project at Barcelona's legendary stadium commenced in June 2023, and their homecoming has been pushed back multiple times already.

The Joan Gamper Trophy encounter with Como during the pre-season was initially targeted for Barça's stadium return, but that timeline wasn't met, forcing Hansi Flick's squad to host their first two La Liga home fixtures at the Estadi Johan Cruyff—typically reserved for the club's women's team and academy sides.

Expectations were high that Barça's Camp Nou comeback would occur during this Sunday's La Liga match against Real Sociedad, but municipal authorities have now announced that the game will take place at Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys—the 55,000-capacity venue where Barcelona have been playing their recent home matches.

Safety Issues Prompt Latest Barcelona Postponement

"We have identified various issues that require attention and affect the stadium's safety and security standards," Sebastia Massague, head of civil protection, stated during Tuesday's city council session.

"Several of these concerns involve the pathways leading to the stadium, ensuring all supporters can safely access the venue."

It was previously announced that La Blaugrana's Champions League encounter with defending European titleholders Paris Saint-Germain on October 1 would also take place on Montjuïc, leaving club leadership and fans to endure further delays in Camp Nou's reopening.

Utilizing the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys represents a significant financial burden for Barça. Beyond missing out on revenue from additional seating at the renovated Camp Nou, they must pay the municipal council between €300,000 ($353,000) and €900,000 ($1.1 million) for stadium usage.

Elena Fort, Barça's vice-president, has disclosed the club typically pays approximately €500,000 ($588,000) for venue rental, providing additional incentive to expedite their Camp Nou return.

Girona may now become Barcelona's inaugural opponents when Camp Nou finally reopens—their La Liga meeting is scheduled for Oct. 18.