Barcelona will not play against PSG at Camp Nou either
FC Barcelona's return to Camp Nou has been delayed again. The Champions League match against PSG will also be played at the Olympic Stadium. This could have far-reaching consequences for Flick's team.
This is what Camp Nou looked like from the outside a month ago. IMAGO/NurPhoto
Barcelona fans must continue to remain flexible. After the Catalans had to play their first home game last Sunday against Valencia ( 6-0 ) in the 6,000-seat Estadio Johan Cruyff, and will also play there next Sunday (9 p.m.) against Getafe, a return to their home ground is not expected any time soon.
"Barcelona announces that the second match of the Champions League group stage against PSG will be played at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys," a club statement read. "The club continues to work towards obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals for the upcoming opening of Spotify Camp Nou."
The Olympic Stadium has already been an alternative venue for the past two seasons, but due to its capacity (55,000 seats) alone, it is still the better alternative to the Estadio Johan Cruyff. According to Spanish media, the home game against Real Sociedad on September 28th will also take place at Montjuic. To avoid clashing with a music event scheduled later that evening, the Catalans' match will take place at 6:30 p.m., although kickoff was originally scheduled for 9 p.m.
UEFA must give the green lightUEFA also has to accommodate Barcelona, as the association no longer allows a change of stadium during the league phase. In other words, if the Catalans play against PSG at the Olympic Stadium, they must stay there according to the regulations. UEFA introduced this rule to prevent one team from gaining an advantage over a particular opponent, for example, due to the condition of the pitch or increased spectator capacity.
Barcelona has already applied for an exemption, but a response from the FA is still pending. The Blaugrana justify their request by arguing that they are not seeking a sporting advantage, but simply that the construction work is not yet complete. Their next home Champions League game will be against Olympiacos Piraeus on October 21.
The decision will then depend on the condition of Camp Nou. The club is only working on a partial reopening anyway, with full completion not planned until 2026.
