Single 'Key Word' Keeps Barcelona Locked Out of Camp Nou Stadium
"Postponement" has become the defining characteristic of the Camp Nou redevelopment initiative, with the continuing complications compelling Barcelona to develop several backup options for hosting home matches during the early part of the season.
Barcelona played their first home fixture of the campaign in a commanding 6–0 victory over Valencia last weekend at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. This same venue is scheduled to accommodate Barcelona's next home encounter against Getafe on September 21, following confirmation that the Camp Nou will not receive approval in time for that fixture.
The Catalan club has yet to obtain the initial occupancy permit from the municipal authorities needed to reopen the Camp Nou and welcome 27,000 supporters by activating the Tribuna and Garda Sur sections (the ground-level stands positioned behind the dugouts and the south end goal area).
David Escudé, who oversees the sports division within the municipal council, acknowledges that the Camp Nou redevelopment represents a challenging undertaking, with intensive efforts being made by all stakeholders to facilitate Barça's return at the earliest opportunity. Nevertheless, the source of these postponements can be summarized in a single term.
"The fundamental concept is security," Escudé explained to Catalan media Betevé. "Similar to any other construction project in this municipality and nation, specific standards must be satisfied. No one can violate regulations designed to ensure security, security and security,"
Escudé considers it understandable that Barcelona has previously announced target dates for their Camp Nou return, given the anticipation surrounding the reopening. Nevertheless, due to the scale of the undertaking, Escudé believes complications and postponements are unavoidable.
"You establish a target return date but then countless unexpected issues may arise. We must exercise caution regarding these unexpected developments, whatever their nature, as they make return schedules uncertain. I also comprehend the club's strong desire to return home at the earliest opportunity."
Barcelona currently aims to return to the Camp Nou for their September 28 encounter with Real Sociedad. Should they meet this target, the venue could potentially accommodate their Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain three days afterward. Nevertheless, there remains a significant chance they will be compelled to stage that match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Regardless, while a Camp Nou return appears closer than previously, the situation remains far from resolved and additional postponements cannot be dismissed at this time.