Barcelona's long-awaited return to Camp Nou delayed as UEFA rules prevent move

Barcelona's return to the Camp Nou looks set to be delayed, with UEFA rules preventing a move away from Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys until February.

The Catalan giants at the end of the 2022/2023 season to allow renovation works to begin at the Camp Nou. The side had expected to be able to return before the end of 2024.

Now, those plans look set to be shelved, with club officials refusing to put a timeline on a return date. While the works continue, Barca have been playing at the city's Olympic Stadium and they have a contract to remain there until 31 March.

And vice-president Elena Fort has now admitted there is still no agreed date for the club’s return to the Camp Nou, despite previous plans to play there before the end of this year.

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“There are no exact dates to return to the stadium. We can’t say right now, but we are on the correct path. The club is working to ensure that the Spotify Camp Nou is finished before the end of the year, that is our plan," she said.

"We want to play a match before the end of the year, but the licence may not arrive in time, nor will the logistics of the matches... As soon as we can, we will return. But we have a wide margin, a few weeks, so as not to be irresponsible.

"There are many circumstances that could change that. We want to return home as soon as possible, and as a club we also need it. Having a new home is a dream, we are not a state-owned club or owned by anyone.

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"We belong to the members. We will have the best stadium in the with significant economic expectations. Everyone is paying attention. It is an architectural marvel and an emotional asset for the members."

The work on the Camp Nou will increase the stadium's capacity to 105,000, making it the largest in European football. The work is scheduled to be fully completed in time for the 2026-27 season.

But while Barca had hopes of returning in December, UEFA rules are putting up a roadblock. The La Liga side are playing in the this season and the competition's rules state that all home matches are to be held at the same venue in the league phase.

Barca's final gome match in the league phase comes against Atalanta on 29 January. Any proposed changes to already-scheduled Champions League venues are subject to UEFA approval.

Their next home game after that is currently scheduled for the weekend of 2 February, when they play at home to Alaves in La Liga. Barca currently lead the Spanish top-flight having won eight of their opening nine games.

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