What is the story about?
What's Happening?
Barcelona is experiencing delays in their planned return to the Estadi Camp Nou for their match against Valencia on September 14. The club had previously arranged with La Liga to play their first three league games away from home to allow time for final checks at Camp Nou. However, the Barcelona City Council has yet to issue a First Occupancy License, which is necessary for hosting matches at the stadium. If the license is not granted, Barcelona may have to play at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, pushing their return to Camp Nou to the Getafe game on September 21. The club is awaiting notice from the local authority regarding the license issuance.
Why It's Important?
The delay in returning to Camp Nou has significant implications for Barcelona's season. Playing away from their home stadium could impact team performance and fan engagement. Additionally, if the stadium remains unavailable, UEFA may require all Champions League games to be played elsewhere, affecting Barcelona's international fixtures. The situation highlights the challenges of stadium management and regulatory compliance, which can influence a club's operational and competitive strategies.
What's Next?
Barcelona is expected to receive notice from the local authority in the coming days regarding the First Occupancy License. If the license is not granted, the club may seek a new agreement with the council to use the Estadi Olimpic. The outcome of the Real Sociedad game will be crucial, as it will determine the feasibility of hosting matches at Camp Nou for the rest of 2026.
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