Barcelona’s Camp Nou Return Delayed Again, club Eyes Montjuic Amidst Financial Rule concerns
FC Barcelona has once again postponed their highly anticipated return to spotify Camp Nou. The club confirmed today that the August 10th date for the Joan Gamper Trophy match has been cancelled due to an inability to secure the necessary licenses for stadium occupancy. This latest setback means Barcelona’s comeback to their iconic home ground is now targeted for September,with a match against valencia. Though, the club is actively preparing a contingency plan, exploring a return to the Olympic Stadium Lluis Companys in Montjuic for the initial phase of the season.
The potential extended stay at Montjuic raises notable financial considerations, particularly concerning a crucial VIP seating deal.According to Sports World, the inclusion of revenue from the lease of 475 VIP seats at Spotify Camp Nou in the 2024/25 audit report is vital. This transaction, valued at โฌ100 million (โฌ30 million from Fortia Advisor Limited and โฌ70 million from new Era Visionary Group), is key for Barcelona to regain compliance with La Liga‘s 1:1 Fair Play rule.
If the Barcelona City Council fails to issue the First Occupancy License in time for a September return to Camp Nou, the club intends to activate the VIP seating operation at Montjuic. This move is seen as a workaround to ensure the audit report reflects the VIP seat revenue, thereby safeguarding their ability to operate within La Liga’s financial regulations.Barcelona’s management is confident that this strategy will prevent any risks to meeting the 1:1 rule, allowing them flexibility in the summer transfer window and for player registrations.
Despite these preparations, Barcelona remains committed to returning to Spotify Camp Nou in September and believes the VIP seat experience would be more fitting for the club’s identity if launched at their home stadium.