Barcelona decide against Camp Nou return despite being given green light by city council following repeated delays

According to AS, Barcelona have officially received the green light to return to the Camp Nou after months of delays, with the city council approving the Phase 1A occupancy permit that allows 27,000 spectators inside the renovated stadium. Despite this, the club have opted to stay at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic until they are permitted to host a larger crowd under Phase 1B.

The decision, according to club sources, comes down to finances. The Montjuic venue, though temporary, currently offers higher matchday revenue potential due to its larger capacity. Returning to a partially open Camp Nou, they believe, would not make economic sense until the 47,000-seat approval is secured. Phase 1A includes the opening of the grandstand and the south end of the first ring, while Phase 1B, which Barcelona hope will be approved soon would reopen the side stands. The latter is also necessary for UEFA approval to host Champions League matches, meaning Barca’s homecoming will have to wait a little longer.

Vice president Elena Fort, who oversees the Espai Barca project, shed light on the club’s reasoning during an interview with RAC1: "We hope that phase 1B, which would accommodate 47,000 spectators, will be approved soon, because the works are finished and it's a matter of permits and project validation, and it's simpler than the approved phase."

Fort went on to say that while there is no fixed date yet, the club’s 126th anniversary could be an ideal occasion for their grand return: "Any date would be good, because what we want is to return, but the end of November, whether it's against Athletic or Getafe, which would coincide with the club's 126th anniversary, would be a great match."

She concluded: “The return will allow the club to recover on an emotional, pride, and financial level.”

While excitement builds around the reopening, the Espai Barca project has not been without controversy. The club’s €960 million (£832m/$1.12bn) Camp Nou renovation contract was awarded to Turkish firm Limak despite the company receiving the lowest score in a technical evaluation conducted by the club’s own experts. Limak’s proposal reportedly scored below 50 out of 100, behind rivals Ferrovial and FCC with concerns raised about their construction timeline and initial financing requirements. The Turkish firm demanded roughly €200 million upfront compared to just €12 million from competitors.

The revelations sparked questions about transparency and decision-making within Barcelona’s board, especially as financial pressures continue to mount. However, club officials insist the project remains on schedule and that the decision was made to meet UEFA and local government deadlines.

Amid the uncertainty off the pitch, Hansi Flick’s squad are battling their own challenges. The German coach has been hit by a series of injuries in recent weeks, with key players such as Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres and goalkeeper Joan Garcia all sidelined. With the international break over, Barcelona will resume domestic action this weekend as they look to bounce back from disappointing displays against Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla. They face Girona next in La Liga before returning to European competition against Olympiacos in the Champions League.

The biggest test, however, looms at the end of the month, the first El Clasico of the season against Real Madrid on October 26. That fixture could prove decisive in shaping up their title challenge. For now, though, the Catalan giants will continue to call Montjuic home. Their symbolic return to Camp Nou, once seen as a beacon of renewal remains just out of reach. But with the stadium nearing completion and permits pending, fans may not have to wait much longer to walk through those famous gates once again.