Construction delays, defects detected: FC Barcelona's opening match at the new Camp Nou could be postponed again

When will FC Barcelona players return to the Camp Nou pitch? In this never-ending saga, we finally thought we could see the light at the end of the tunnel after the city council agreed to modify the stadium's construction and activity permit to allow it to play at a reduced capacity (27,000 seats) . As a result, Barça could now play at home again as early as September 14, when they host Valencia in La Liga.

But according to information from Catalan radio RAC 1, relayed by several Spanish media outlets, an inspection by technicians from the ECA - the Administration's Collaborating Entity - has detected more than 200 deficiencies in the first phase of the stadium's construction. The report from this private entity, responsible for verifying compliance with safety standards for Spanish buildings, could thus compromise a possible return on September 14, due to the lack of time to obtain the necessary licenses.

According to Barça's plan, a stand-by-stand reopening would take place over the coming weeks. Initially, the south section and the presidential stand would accommodate 27,000 people, to which would be added the seats in the side and then the north section, reaching 60,000 spectators. Then, in a second phase, the opening of the upper sections would allow a full capacity of 105,000 people. This plan could be completely called into question if safety standards are not met.

If the licenses are not acquired in time, especially before the first matchday of the Champions League - scheduled for September 16-18 - FC Barcelona could find itself playing in two stadiums this season. Indeed, UEFA requires that all matches played from the league phase of the Champions League onwards take place at the same venue, according to Article 25.08 of its regulations . The worst-case scenario for Joan Laporta and Barça would therefore be to be able to play at the Camp Nou again in La Liga but to have to keep the Olympic Stadium of Montjuïc for the European Cup.