Barcelona have finally confirmed the venue for their upcoming LaLiga EA Sports clash against Valencia on Sunday. However, the decision has not been well received by the Blaugrana faithful. The club announced that the match will be held at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, as the Spotify Camp Nou has not yet received the necessary permits to reopen.

Why will the game be played at the Johan Cruyff?

In an official statement, the board explained they are still working to “obtain the administrative permits” required to return to the Camp Nou, which remains under renovation. In the meantime, the Johan Cruyff Stadium, located next to the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despí, will serve as the temporary venue.

With a capacity of just 6,000 spectators, the stadium is a far cry from the Camp Nou’s usual dimensions, even compared to its reduced 27,000-seat capacity during construction. To comply with LaLiga standards, Barça will also need to implement technical adjustments, such as installing VAR cameras and a new fiber optic network.

What happens with Barcelona’s next games?

The big question now is how this affects the club’s upcoming schedule. After their Champions League opener away to Newcastle on September 18, Barça host Getafe on September 21 before traveling to Oviedo on the 25th. They then face two crucial home fixtures — against Real Sociedad on September 28 and PSG on October 1 in the Champions League.

Barcelona already have an agreement with the City Council to use the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc until February if the Camp Nou remains unavailable. However, that stadium cannot host the Valencia game due to a Post Malone concert scheduled for September 12, which will leave the pitch in unsuitable condition.

Why are fans upset with the decision?

The drastic reduction in capacity is the main reason for frustration. Thousands of members will miss the chance to attend a marquee fixture like Barcelona vs Valencia. The general feeling is that the Johan Cruyff is simply too small for a club of Barça’s magnitude.

For now, the return to the Spotify Camp Nou remains the ultimate goal for supporters — but they will have to wait a few more weeks before stepping back into their home.