Barcelona must delay their return to the enduring Nou Camp stadium as a consequence of a little-known UEFA regulation.
The Spanish giants have been enjoying on the Estadio Olimpico for the previous 18 months whereas a £1.25 billion renovation mission is carried out on their residence floor.
The mission goals to extend the stadium’s capability from 99,000 to 104,000 and add a roof, luxurious bars, and new escalators.
Barcelona had hoped to maneuver again to the Nou Camp earlier than the top of 2024. Nevertheless, UEFA guidelines prohibit golf equipment from altering stadiums in the course of the preliminary part of the Champions League.
This implies Barcelona would have needed to break up residence video games between the Nou Camp and Estadio Olimpico, which was deemed logistically troublesome and dear.
In consequence, Barcelona have now confirmed they won’t return to the Nou Camp till at the very least mid-February 2025. This delay will impression a number of La Liga matches, together with video games towards Valencia, Alaves, and Atalanta within the Champions League, which can now happen on the Estadio Olimpico.
Barcelona have promised to low cost the value of season ticket passes to account for the matches moved from the Nou Camp.
The membership presently sits prime of the La Liga desk and is well-positioned to qualify for the Champions League knockout phases.
The Nou Camp renovations are anticipated to generate an extra £25 million in annual income for Barcelona as soon as accomplished.
