Barcelona accused of 'unacceptable deception' over Camp Nou return debacle with Joan Laporta under fire ahead of presidential election

Barcelona are facing mounting criticism after failing to meet another self-imposed deadline for the return to the renovated Camp Nou. The club have been unable to secure the necessary permits in time for their upcoming La Liga fixtures, leaving the venue for their home match against Getafe on September 21 undecided and forcing the board to admit to administrative delays.

The latest setback is the culmination of a series of broken promises by Laporta's board regarding the stadium's reopening. Initial return dates targeted November 2024 for the club's 125th anniversary, then early 2025, and later the spring Clasico against Real Madrid, all of which were missed. Vice-president Elena Fort, who previously stated the stadium would be ready "barring a catastrophe," has now conceded that "we haven't been able to submit the documentation in time."

This failure has drawn sharp condemnation from prominent figures within the club's political landscape. Former presidential candidate Víctor Font told AS of the situation: "The management seems inexplicable to me. Governing a club is always very difficult: we all make mistakes, things can be done better or worse, but what is unacceptable is deception."

Meanwhile, Joan Camprubi Montal, who has announced his intention to challenge, has heavily criticised the current club leaders and suggested there is a massive payment up for grabs due to the delays. "The awarding of construction projects has been a failure, and the management is erratic," he said. "And it remains to be seen whether the €300 million euros that the construction company promised to pay for the delays will be claimed. Laporta should appear to answer many questions."

Former director Xavi Vilajoana added: "I'm not surprised. It was impossible for the game to be played at Camp Nou because there are certain deadlines that can't be set. It pains me that the members' hopes are being played on. The members are understanding, but there's no transparency. No one asked them for a date. They were the ones who gave it without anyone asking."

With Camp Nou's status uncertain, Barcelona will host Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff this weekend, which is also being lined up as an alternative venue for the Getafe match the following week.