Barcelona Still Without a Home Stadium

Barcelona’s return to Camp Nou is taking longer than expected. Despite President Laporta’s insistence that the team would start the season in the renovated stadium, the reality is quite different. The Blaugrana may not return to their home ground until next season.

Laporta has repeatedly assured fans that Barça would play at Camp Nou this season, even selling season tickets. However, he recently changed his tone, saying, “We’ve always said we’ll return when circumstances are right. If there are unforeseen issues, we can’t do anything. It hasn’t been smooth sailing. We want to return as soon as possible, but we must comply with UEFA regulations.”

The club initially set February as the target for returning to Camp Nou, but this has been postponed for the third time. The construction work is significantly delayed, meaning Barcelona will play the second half of La Liga at Montjuïc, despite having sold passes for the new Camp Nou.

The Champions League presents another challenge. UEFA requires all knockout rounds to be played in the same stadium, and Montjuïc has other commitments. With Camp Nou not ready for the early rounds, Barcelona currently lacks a venue for their European matches from February onwards.

The club has until February 21 to inform UEFA of their stadium choice for the remainder of the European competition. This deadline is set just before the start of the Champions League round of 16.

Regardless of the Champions League situation, Barcelona’s return to Camp Nou remains uncertain, contrary to previous statements. The team’s homecoming to Les Corts is still a mystery.