Barcelona considering a dual stadium policy ahead of key UEFA deadline – report | OneFootball

The deadline for fast-approaching for Barcelona as they work around the clock to ensure the completion of Phase I of the Camp Nou project, which will ensure the return to the old stadium.

Soon, the Catalans will have to confirm to UEFA as to whether or not Camp Nou will be match-ready for Champions League league stage matches. If not, the club will be forced to play at Montjuic.

UEFA rules suggest a club cannot play in two stadiums unless the group stage, which is now the league stage, is completed.

That means Barcelona may only be able to return to Camp Nou during the knockout rounds, which accounts for an absence of four matches.

Barcelona considering dual stadium policy

According to MARCA, the Barcelona board are weighing up the unprecedented option of a “dual stadium policy”.

When will Barcelona return to the fabled Camp Nou? (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

This essentially means using Montjuïc for Champions League matches while still opening Camp Nou for La Liga games once the permits are granted.

Currently, the completion certificate for the new Camp Nou has not been issued, delaying the City Council’s ability to provide the all-important occupancy license.

The club’s target was to reopen against Valencia on September 14 with a limited capacity of 27,000, expanding gradually to 60,000 as work progresses.

But uncertainty remains. If Camp Nou is not cleared in time, Barcelona may be forced back to Motjuic not just for Europe, but for domestic fixtures too.

Further complicating matters, the Olympic Stadium is booked for a concert just two days before the scheduled Valencia clash.

The next week, therefore, will be decisive as UEFA demands clarity on the club’s European home ground.