Barcelona unlikely to return to Camp Nou and prepares Johan Cruyff Stadium as Plan B
Barcelona is preparing to announce that the match against Valencia on September 14 will not be played at the renovated Camp Nou. With work delayed and no final approval from Catalan authorities, the club is moving forward with Plan B: hosting the game at Johan Cruyff Stadium, according to Marca.
Delays and lack of certification
Although inspectors initially approved partial adjustments, Barcelona has yet to receive the Final Construction Certificate (CFO)—a requirement to reopen more than 24,000 seats at Camp Nou. Without this document, the venue cannot be authorized for official matches.
As a result, the Blaugrana have begun preparations at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, which recently hosted the Joan Gamper Trophy. Last season, Barça played at the Olímpico de Montjuïc, but that lease expired in early 2025.
LaLiga flexibility despite capacity issue
One obstacle is Johan Cruyff Stadium’s 6,000-seat capacity, below LaLiga’s minimum requirement of 8,000. However, the league has already signaled it will not block the temporary solution given Barcelona’s exceptional circumstances.
The club is expected to confirm the venue by early next week to allow time for ticket sales and logistics.
Camp Nou renovation: bigger and more modern
Closed since May 2023, Camp Nou is undergoing a €1.5 billion overhaul financed by 20 investors. Once complete, the stadium will expand from 99,000 to 105,000 seats, add a retractable roof, a 360-degree screen, and integrate into the new Espai Barça complex, which will include event spaces and a hotel.
The project was initially scheduled for completion in November 2024, but delays have pushed back the reopening.
