FC Barcelona could be playing in Montjuïc until February

Numerous fixed dates for FC Barcelona's return to the Camp Nou stadium have come and gone. 

The Catalan club explained to dozens of gathered journalists how they would organize season tickets in their true home stadium for the second half of the 2024/25 season, while more recently the Gamper Trophy game in early August was supposed to be the return date. 

Both of those deadlines have come and gone without a ball being kicked in the iconic Les Corts arena. 

Now, the blaugrana are even preparing a plan B in case the Camp Nou isn't ready soon. 

According to Catalan radio station Rac1, Barça have reached a deal with BSM, the municipal facilities managing company, in case the club needs to play in the Olympic Stadium in Montjuïc until February. 

However, the club expects to receive the final construction safety certificates by the end of August or early September, the club has prepared this plan B in case of any further delays.

Local news outlet Tot Barcelona also reported that city councilor for security, Albert Batlle, said in a Thursday morning Rac1 interview that the club will "probably" have to play in the Olympic Stadium for the first months of the 2025/26 season. 

The agreement extends until February for the simple fact that UEFA rules state that a club cannot switch home stadium during the one phase of competition. This means that if Barça start the new Champions League campaign in Montjuïc, then they will have to play out the whole group stage - until February - in that same stadium in that competition. 

Batlle confirmed that, for the moment, the club has not yet delivered the Final Works Certificate, a prior document necessary for the city council to process the first license, and considers it “basic prudence” that a plan B has been devised.

In the meantime, Barça will study options and request special dispensation to move to the Camp Nou, in the event that they are forced to start the new European campaign in the Olympic Stadium. 

The club hopes that UEFA will allow the Catalans to play the first match away from home, with the hope that by the second matchday, the Camp Nou's main stand will be ready to open, in compliance with UEFA regulation.