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Barcelona fans will have to wait longer than expected for a return to the legendary Camp Nou. The ongoing renovations mean the team’s temporary exile at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys will extend well into the 2025-26 season. Initially slated for a November 2024 return, delays now push this timeline further. Thus, the club’s leaders have been offering only tentative estimates on a new reopening date. This protracted relocation has far-reaching effects on club finances and fan mood in addition to derailing the team’s ambitions.
The club embarked on an ambitious project to transform Camp Nou into the largest stadium in Europe in 2023. Capacity will exceed 100,000. As part of this overhaul, they temporarily relocated to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. It was once the central venue for the 1992 Olympics. The move came with the hope that the Blaugrana would return to Camp Nou at 60% capacity in November 2024. It was supposed to be just in time for the club’s 125th anniversary celebration on November 29. However, what seemed like a realistic plan has proven too optimistic as project complexities have emerged.
The club’s President, Joan Laporta, recently addressed the delay on a Barca One Podcast. “We’ll return to Camp Nou at the start of 2025,” though he refrained from committing to any specific date. Vice President Elena Fort added, “There are no exact dates to return to the stadium. We can’t confirm anything right now, but we are on the right path”. These statements reflect the club’s effort to manage expectations as setbacks continue to arise.
UEFA regulations and strategic scheduling
One of the most significant obstacles facing Barcelona’s return involves UEFA regulations. Current rules prevent teams from using two different stadiums during the Champions League group phase. This restriction compels Barcelona to host its January 29, 2025, home match against Atalanta at Montjuic, complicating plans for a midseason transition…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/more-delay-barca-wont-return-to-camp-nou-until-2025-26/
Author : Martina Alcheva
Publish date : 2024-10-25 18:20:29
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