UEFA provide Barcelona with key relaxation ahead of critical decision over stadium | OneFootball

Barcelona’s plan to return to the Spotify Camp Nou early this season does not appear to be going to plan as the Catalans have now hit another roadblock in terms of completing their much-anticipated return.

The latest delay means that the club may not be able to host Valencia at the renovated stadium early next month, in what comes as a massive sporting and economic blow to the club.

Earlier today, officials from UEFA visited the under-renovation venue to judge the progress and decide if the team can use it at least in a limited capacity to host the big European games this season.

The decision

As relayed by Catalunya Radio in a recent update, UEFA has allowed Barcelona to play their first Champions League clash game, away from home, irrespective of the draw and thus has provided the team with more breathing space.

With the extended deadline available, Barcelona can now weigh up options and decide where to base the first phase of their European campaign this season.

Barcelona hope to return to Camp Nou soon. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

As it stands, returning to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys is not ruled out and continues to be an option, although the ideal scenario would be to play at the Spotify Camp Nou.

UEFA’s rules stipulate that a club must use the same venue for all group stage games in a particular edition of the tournament, and opting for the Montjuic stadium will thus force Barcelona to play four games away from the Camp Nou, even if it is ready.

It must be noted that Barcelona have already secured an agreement with the necessary authorities to have Montjuic available for matches until February, if needed.

However, the most likely move now, thus, would be for Joan Laporta and Co. to wait and gauge the progress in the construction work in the coming days.

The extension from UEFA comes as a blessing, and Barcelona will hope it gives them enough time to have their home ready.