Barcelona’s Camp Nou return hit by 200 safety snags

 

Barcelona’s plan to return to Camp Nou next month is in jeopardy after an inspection uncovered more than 200 safety deficiencies in the first phase of the stadium’s €1.5 billion redevelopment. The club had hoped to host the Joan Gamper Trophy against Como at the renovated ground, but were forced to move the match to the Estadi Johan Cruyff after failing to secure the required licence. Now, their first planned La Liga home match on September 14 against Valencia is also under threat. The redevelopment project is the largest in Barcelona’s history, aiming to expand capacity to 105,000, add a fully modernised roof, and introduce upgraded facilities and technology. A partial reopening licence has been granted for 27,000 fans in two stands, with capacity to increase in later phases. The Catalan giants had arranged for their first three league matches to be played away from home to allow time for completion, but the recent findings by European Clubs Association inspectors pose a significant setback.

The European Clubs Association technicians flagged at least 200 defects requiring urgent attention before Barcelona can reapply for the necessary matchday licences. City authorities, La Liga, and UEFA all require a Certificate of Completion of Works before competitive matches can be held at the venue. The issues range from structural checks to safety equipment and accessibility compliance, all of which must be resolved within weeks. Barcelona’s board is now racing against time to address these problems and avoid another delay. If the Valencia fixture is moved, the club will face another public relations blow, as fans have been eagerly anticipating the return to Camp Nou. The delays also underline the scale and complexity of the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed in multiple stages over the coming years. Failure to meet the deadline could see Barcelona forced to continue using temporary venues for early-season home fixtures. The outcome will depend on how quickly repairs and compliance work can be carried out, with the next month proving decisive. Whether September 14 becomes a triumphant homecoming or yet another postponement will hinge on the club’s ability to clear all safety and regulatory hurdles in time.

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