Barcelona handed major Camp Nou boost as City Council grants approval | OneFootball

Even as Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona impressed with their pre-season performances in Japan and South Korea, several off-the-pitch matters continue to demand the club’s attention ahead of the new La Liga season.

As has been the case in recent years, one of the most pressing concerns is player registration. With just weeks remaining before the league kicks off, Barcelona must ensure their new signings are registered in time.

However, there’s another issue that has taken center stage in recent days is the team’s planned return to the Spotify Camp Nou.

The club is aiming to host their first home game of the 2025/26 season, scheduled against Valencia on either September 13 or 14, at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou.

And in a major boost to these plans, Mundo Deportivo reports that the City Council has officially approved a modified license allowing the stadium to open partially, even as construction work continues.

Previously, one of the major roadblocks was that Barcelona could not reopen the Camp Nou without completing the full lower and upper rings of seating. However, the new license allows the stadium to function in segmented zones, which is key, given that some areas are still under construction.

The initial reopening plan involves accommodating around 27,000 spectators, with the Tribuna (Grand Stand) and Gol Norte (North Goal) sections being the first to open. The club intends to expand this to include the Lateral stand and Gol Sur (South Goal) as the season progresses and construction advances.

To meet the deadline, Barcelona must finish the necessary work in approximately two weeks in order to present the Certificate of Completion of Works. Only then can they formally notify the City Council, La Liga, and UEFA of their intention to return to the Spotify Camp Nou for the start of official competitions.

As per the report from MD, which cites a report by ARA, sources within BSM (the company responsible for managing Barcelona’s municipal sports facilities) believe that a return to Montjuïc is no longer being considered.

However, the club remains cautious and has not completely ruled out using the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys as a backup, considering uncertainties around licensing and financial feasibility.

While Plan B remains on standby, the clear priority is to return to Spotify Camp Nou. Even at reduced capacity, playing at their iconic home would provide a significant boost for Hansi Flick and his squad as they prepare for the challenges of the new season. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether that return becomes a reality.