FC Barcelona had planned to return to the Spotify Camp Nou this season after nearly two years of renovations. However, pending permits and safety inspections could delay the team's comeback to their iconic home. While the club has received authorization to continue work and host activities, it still lacks the occupancy permit, a crucial requirement to open the stadium to the public.

What permits are still missing for the reopening?

The Barcelona board submitted the stadium's Self-Protection Plan (PAU) to Civil Protection authorities in an effort to speed up the process. Although the club has already secured the green light for construction and activity licenses — which allow for an initial capacity of around 63,000 spectators — it has not yet obtained the first occupancy license. That document is vital for allowing fans back into the venue and may still take some time to be approved.

Will the Joan Gamper Trophy go ahead as planned?

Barcelona had scheduled the Joan Gamper Trophy for August 10 as the official return to the Camp Nou. However, that date is now in jeopardy. If the occupancy license doesn’t arrive in time, the match may need to be moved to the Estadi Johan Cruyff, which has a much smaller capacity of just 6,000 seats.

How is the stadium renovation progressing?

Construction at the Spotify Camp Nou is still ongoing, including structural rebuilding, grandstand installation, and safety system upgrades. However, several key elements remain unfinished — such as finalizing public access areas, completing evacuation infrastructure, and completing surrounding urban development.

The full stadium handover is now projected for mid-2026, when the final capacity is expected to reach 105,000 spectators.