Barca Left Waiting for Camp Nou Return After Permit Denied

Barcelona’s long-awaited return to their renovated home, Spotify Camp Nou, has been put on hold after the city council declined to grant the necessary occupancy permit. The denial affects the club’s plans to host their LaLiga match against Real Sociedad at Camp Nou, forcing Barcelona to continue staging home games at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc.

Permit Refusal and Safety Concerns

The City Council said that, despite the club’s readiness to reopen the stadium at a reduced capacity of 27,000, there remain unresolved safety and security deficiencies. Chief of civil protection Sebastia Massaguer indicated that the council had “spotted different elements that need to be fixed” which could impact fan safety. Key issues include access routes, evacuation paths, signage, and infrastructure that still require finishing touches.

These problems, the council argues, are serious enough to withhold what is known as a first occupancy license (licencia de primera ocupación). Without that permission, Camp Nou cannot host matches, even at partial capacity. Barcelona had already submitted their documentation for “Phase 1A” reopening, including responses to observations raised by municipal authorities, but the club must now attend to the pending fixes.

Consequences for Barcelona’s Matches

With the permit denied, Barcelona’s upcoming LaLiga match vs Real Sociedad will be played at Montjuïc, as will their October 1 Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain. The club had previously hoped to return to Camp Nou by this date, but coronavirus-style delays and underlying structural gaps have pushed those ambitions back.

The renovation itself is reportedly nine months behind schedule, and the stadium has faced multiple postponements in giving it a phased reopening. Earlier in the season, a pitch problem following a Post Malone concert also forced Barcelona to stage a match at their Johan Cruyff training ground for 6,000 fans. In that instance, the small venue was allowed by special exemption from LaLiga given the extraordinary circumstances.

Club Reaction and Political Dynamics

Barcelona President Joan Laporta has voiced confidence that the club has fulfilled its obligations, saying the delay now lies with the City Council. He claims Barcelona already holds necessary certificates (construction, control, fire, environmental) and is awaiting municipal inspection and approval. Laporta added that pressure shouldn’t be rushed: “These are processes that have to be carried out” and he expects the reopening to be “very close.” Camp

From the municipal side, officials maintain they must ensure full safety before granting access. Council authorities insist they will not issue the permit “until there are guarantees that the conditions for people’s security are met.” The city has offered cooperation but made clear that safety cannot be compromised.

What Lies Ahead

For now, Barcelona must resign themselves to playing more matches at Montjuïc until the outstanding safety elements are resolved. Even when Camp Nou becomes usable again, it might only open gradually, as parts of the stadium complete their respective certifications. The timetable remains uncertain: the club and council are now in a delicate dance of inspections, fixes, and administrative approvals.

This situation means Barcelona supporters will have to wait longer before they get back into their iconic home, even in reduced capacity. The hope is that the delay is temporary and that, when the stadium is deemed safe, the return will be fully sanctioned and sustainable.