Barcelona have received approval from UEFA to delay their first Champions League home match, giving the club more time to finish renovation works at the Spotify Camp Nou.
The Catalans, who have been playing at the Estadi OlÃmpic LluÃs Companys for the past two seasons, are pushing to return to their historic home ground next month. While they have secured access to the OlÃmpic until February as a backup, club officials remain determined to stage European nights at the Camp Nou.
UEFA rules prevent clubs from switching stadiums mid-stage, meaning Barcelona must be fully ready to host all four of their league phase matches at the same venue. After inspecting progress, UEFA accepted the club’s request to play their opening group game away from home, moving their first Champions League fixture at Camp Nou to Matchday 2, scheduled for September 30 or October 1.
The move is seen as vital, as playing at Camp Nou would boost matchday revenue and ease financial pressure on the club.