As the countdown to the 2025/26 football season intensifies, FC Barcelona faces a critical logistical dilemma that could impact both their domestic and European campaigns. The Catalan giants are reportedly reassessing their plans to return to the Spotify Camp Nou, with serious consideration being given to extending their stay at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys (Montjuïc) due to construction setbacks at their iconic home stadium.
Renovation Delays Raise Serious Concerns
Initially, the club had announced a symbolic and highly anticipated return to Camp Nou for the start of the new season — a move meant to coincide with the ongoing but accelerated redevelopment of the stadium. However, multiple reports now suggest that construction efforts have not progressed at the expected pace. Persistent structural challenges, incomplete sections of the stands, and concerns over fan access and safety protocols have all contributed to growing doubt within the board.
Sources close to the project indicate that despite aggressive timelines, the stadium is unlikely to meet UEFA and La Liga standards by the proposed reopening date. As a result, Barcelona are seriously evaluating the possibility of remaining at Montjuïc at least until November, or possibly longer depending on the pace of completion.
UEFA Regulations Add Another Layer of Complexity
One major implication of the potential venue shift involves UEFA’s strict stadium regulations. According to the governing body’s competition guidelines, clubs must host all Champions League group stage matches at the same venue to ensure consistency, logistics, and fairness for traveling teams and fans.
This rule means that if Barça do not return to Camp Nou in time for their first home fixture in the Champions League, they will be obligated to play the entire group stage at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys — regardless of whether Camp Nou becomes operational midway through the group phase.
This scenario presents not only a sporting and logistical challenge but also a commercial one. Champions League nights are historically some of the most profitable and atmospheric events at Camp Nou. Hosting them in a temporary venue with limited capacity (just under 55,000 at Montjuïc compared to Camp Nou’s planned 105,000) could significantly affect matchday revenue, sponsor visibility, and the overall fan experience.
Strategic Decision Looms for Barcelona Leadership
For newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick, this decision carries immense weight. A stable and fully-equipped home ground is crucial to building early momentum in what is expected to be a transformative season under his leadership. Playing at Montjuïc — with its unique dimensions, unfamiliar feel, and sometimes lackluster fan atmosphere — could complicate tactical preparation and home advantage.
From a broader institutional standpoint, Barcelona’s top brass, including club president Joan Laporta, will now be under pressure to balance public expectations with practical realities. Promises of a triumphant return to Camp Nou have been part of the club’s communication for months, and any delay will likely face criticism from fans and socios who are already concerned about transparency, project deadlines, and escalating renovation costs.
Decision Expected Soon
With the new La Liga and Champions League seasons set to begin in just a few weeks, an official decision is expected imminently. The club must notify both UEFA and domestic league organizers of their chosen venue in order to finalize scheduling, security arrangements, and ticketing logistics.
Should Barcelona confirm Montjuïc as their base for the early part of the 2025/26 season, it will mark an extended chapter in the club’s temporary exile from Camp Nou — one that may frustrate supporters but also reflect the reality of overseeing one of Europe’s most ambitious stadium redevelopments
