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Barcelona’s long-overdue return to their iconic home stadium has been pushed back once again, with the club now eyeing September 14 for the grand reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou.

 

After months of anticipation and multiple earlier target dates, Barça had hoped to host Italian side Como at the revamped ground on August 10 in this year’s Joan Gamper Trophy. But those plans appear to have been dashed by ongoing construction delays and red tape from Barcelona City Council.

 

The club is still waiting on a crucial occupancy permit, without which the match simply cannot go ahead. According to the council, no authorisation can be granted until all building work at the stadium is fully completed. Key works still pending include installation of the third tier, the new roof structure, and improvements to access points and interior areas.

 

Although the idea of hosting the Gamper match at a reduced capacity of around 30,000 fans was floated, sources say the logistical and safety hurdles are too great. Reports in Spanish sports media suggest the match will now be moved to the smaller Johan Cruyff Stadium, based at the club’s training ground.

 

Barça filed the necessary paperwork for the permit several days ago, and the city has already approved a modification to the construction licence, which was seen as the first step in the process. However, the strict criteria for reopening the site have proved difficult to meet in time.

 

Club officials now see the home fixture against Valencia on September 14 as the first realistic opportunity for fans to return to the Camp Nou. A club source told Sport that this date was “viable”, with expectations that all approvals will be in place by then.

 

The delay also has knock-on effects for the Champions League, with UEFA requiring venue confirmation ahead of the group stage kicking off between September 16 and September 18.

 

A final decision from the council is expected imminently, but for now, it seems Barcelona fans will have to wait just a little longer to return to their spiritual home.

 

 

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