Barcelona's Camp Nou Homecoming Hits Major Roadblock as Approval Remains Elusive
Barcelona continues to await confirmation on whether they can stage next week's match against Athletic Club at Camp Nou following reports that a planned municipal meeting regarding the stadium's current state has been postponed.
Though Barça has already secured authorization to reopen Camp Nou, their existing permit limits attendance to approximately 26,000 spectators, and the financial benefits available at their interim venue, the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys at Montjuïc, led the La Liga club to postpone their return until an enhanced permit is obtained.
Following a public training session that drew 23,000 supporters as a trial run, Barcelona has expressed strong confidence that they will soon receive approval to open an additional section of Camp Nou, boosting capacity beyond 45,000, which would trigger their official return to their iconic stadium.
The home match against Athletic Club scheduled for Nov. 22 has been identified as the target comeback date, though MARCA reports that Barcelona remains uncertain about their Camp Nou status.
While the determination was anticipated on Friday, the municipal council will now convene on Monday to deliver their final ruling.
Barcelona Face Race Against Time Over Camp Nou Return
Should Barcelona obtain the enhanced permit on Monday, there remains no assurance they will be authorized to host Athletic Club at Camp Nou.
Following permit approval, Barcelona must then petition La Liga for permission to relocate the fixture, which is currently scheduled for Montjuïc due to the Camp Nou uncertainty. There's no certainty this approval will come through in time.
Fortunately, Barcelona supporters may not face an extended wait to return to Camp Nou, as even if the Athletic Club deadline passes, Hansi Flick's team hosts Alavés the following week and could potentially make that their official homecoming match.
It's emphasized that Barcelona remains highly optimistic about receiving the license, placing the timing of their Camp Nou return in La Liga's hands.