FC Barcelona has been facing weeks of uncertainty regarding where they will play their home matches in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. With renovations at the Spotify Camp Nou still ongoing and official permits delayed, the club’s board had been weighing alternative venues while waiting for UEFA’s evaluation. Now, the European governing body has delivered a decision that brings much-needed relief to the Catalan giants.

What Decision Did UEFA Take Regarding Barcelona?

UEFA has accepted Barcelona’s request to play the opening matchday of the new Champions League league phase away from home. This gives the club valuable time to decide whether the Spotify Camp Nou can partially reopen, or if they will need to continue using the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, which had already been secured provisionally through an agreement with the Barcelona City Council.

Why Did Barcelona Request an Away Fixture First?

The main reason lies in delays surrounding the permits needed to open sections of the renovated Camp Nou. While the club is working to accelerate the construction process, committing to host their European debut in a stadium still under heavy works carried significant risk.

With UEFA’s approval, Barça now has until the second matchday (September 30 – October 1, 2025) to finalize whether their home venue will be the Camp Nou or Montjuïc.

What Agreements Back This Solution?

Barcelona already signed a deal with the Barcelona City Council allowing them to use the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium until February 2026, if necessary. This arrangement ensures flexibility should the Camp Nou renovations take longer than expected.