Barcelona have confirmed the club will continue to play matches away from the Spotify Camp Nou until the New Year, citing a UEFA rule as a key reason.
After winning the LaLiga title in June 2023, the Catalan giants started work on their world-famous stadium as part of a £1.25billion renovation project to increase its capacity to 105,000.
Barcelona have been playing their matches at the 54,367 capacity Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys – the Barcelona Olympic Stadium – during the renovation period.
Initially the club had hoped to return to the Camp Nou for the club’s 125th anniversary on November 29, but last month admitted the move-in date will be postponed.
In an update to supporters, Barcelona have confirmed they will continue to play matches at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys until into the New Year.
The club claimed a UEFA rule had been a key factor, with European football’s governing body preventing teams from moving stadiums during the initial phase of the Champions League.
Barcelona revealed stunning new pictures of the re-designed Spotify Camp Nou last month, but have revealed a UEFA rule will prevent them from returning to the venue this year
Seats are currently being installed at the Camp Nou ahead of Barcelona’s return
Barcelona cited a UEFA rule which prevents teams from changing stadiums in the initial phase of the Champions League, with the club then highlighting costs of running two venues
The initial phase of expanded Champions League runs until the end of January, with Barcelona due to host Atalanta on January 29.
Barcelona highlighted the cost of maintaining two venues at the same time as a reason for pushing back their domestic return to the Camp Nou.
‘Due to UEFA regulations preventing a change of stadium in the initial phase of the Champions League and the logistical difficulties and cost of maintaining two large capacity venues operational at the same time, the Club has decided to continue playing its home games at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys until the end of the initial phase of the Champions League,’ a statement read.
‘Therefore, the games against Valencia and Alavés in weeks 21 and 22 of La Liga, as well as the game in week eight of the Champions League against Atalanta will be played at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.’
Barcelona’s home match with Valencia is scheduled for January 26, while the club host Alaves on February 2.
The La Liga leaders are yet to confirm an official date for their return to the Nou Camp.
The announcement, however, raises the possibility Barcelona’s first home match back at the Camp Nou could be against Rayo Vallecano, scheduled for the weekend of February 16.
Another possibility would be a Champions League play-off match to advance to the last-16 of the competition, should Barcelona finish between ninth and 24th in the league phase.
Barcelona will play at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys until at least the end of January
After winning LaLiga in June 2023, the side started work on their world-famous stadium
Incredible images released by the club show the expected final outcome after the renovation
The future Camp Nou includes an aerial viewing platform to attract football fans and tourists
The Catalan giants confirmed a play-off match would be included in fans season tickets for the Camp Nou – which are currently postponed until their return to the stadium.
Barcelona are currently on course to avoid a play-off, with Hansi Flick’s side currently in sixth, which would earn an automatic spot in the last-16.
Ticket prices have been adjusted by the club for the remaining matches at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
