Work continues on Camp Nou as Barcelona look to upgrade and expand their iconic stadium to a capacity of 105,000.
The LaLiga giants revealed that their return to their home ground would be delayed until at least, the middle of February as modernisation and expansion work continues.
A statement released said the LaLiga home games against Valencia and Alaves, initially scheduled for January 26th and February 2nd, will now be played at their current stadium, Montjuic Olymic.
The Blaugrana highlighted UEFA rules which restricts clubs from changing stadiums during the opening phase of the Champions League and also citing “the logistical difficulties and extra costs” if they kept open two grounds at the same time.
Barça stated in October, their aim to return to Camp Nou by the end of 2024, with an initial capacity of 62,000.
Instead, Camp Nou could instead play host to the league tie against Rayo Vallecano on February 16, 2025.
With the project tagged “Espai Barca”, the stadium is viewed to be completed in the summer of 2026, with a capacity of 105,000 and the stadium roof installed.
Slowed by complaints over working conditions and permit complications, work on Camp Nou began in June 2023 — and as a result, Barça requested an extension to their contract for the use of the Olympic stadium “until March 31, 2025, as a precaution”.
