The ambitious renovation project at Barcelona’s iconic Camp Nou stadium has been marred by serious labor violations after authorities discovered 79 Turkish workers operating without proper documentation. The Catalan Labor Inspectorate imposed a hefty fine of 1.09 million euros on Extreme Works, a subcontractor linked to Turkish construction giant Limak, which is overseeing the stadium’s massive transformation.
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Barcelona’s Camp Nou Renovation Hit by Labor Scandal
The investigation, which began in September following complaints from Spanish union Comisiones Obreras and Turkish union DİSK Dev Yapı İş, revealed that workers had been employed at the Camp Nou construction site for months without the necessary permits to work legally in Spain. Many of these workers reportedly began their jobs immediately upon arriving in Barcelona, without proper contracts or mandatory safety briefings.
According to worker testimonies, several employees were unaware of their irregular status until they attempted to travel home and were stopped at airports. The subcontractor had allegedly assured them that all documentation was in order and that they would be working legally at the prestigious Barcelona stadium project.
Harsh Working Conditions at Camp Nou Construction Site
The situation at the Camp Nou construction site extended beyond documentation issues. Workers reported excessive working hours, with monthly totals reaching 250 to 300 hours, significantly exceeding Spanish legal limits. Some workers claimed they were subjected to unpaid overtime and were housed in overcrowded company accommodations provided by subcontractors.
One affected worker told local media that they felt deceived, stating that when they were brought to Barcelona for the Camp Nou project, they were told everything was arranged and legal. The reality proved starkly different when the labor inspection uncovered the violations at one of football’s most iconic venues.
Barcelona’s Espai Barça Project Under Scrutiny
The Camp Nou renovation is part of the ambitious 1.5 billion euro Espai Barça project, which aims to transform Barcelona’s legendary stadium into the largest and most innovative sports and entertainment venue in Europe. The project, awarded to Turkish construction company Limak in 2023, is designed to expand the stadium’s capacity to 105,000 seats and add cutting-edge facilities including a panoramic roof, giant screens, and modernized hospitality areas.
However, the massive Barcelona construction project has been plagued by labor issues since work began in June 2023. The Catalan Labor Inspectorate has opened a staggering 218 separate investigations into irregularities at the Camp Nou site, issuing fines totaling over 1.87 million euros even before this most recent sanction. The total penalties now exceed 3 million euros across more than 200 documented violations.
| Camp Nou Labor Violations Overview |
|---|
| Number of Undocumented Workers: 79 Turkish nationals |
| Fine Amount: €1.09 million |
| Total Investigations Opened: 218 cases |
| Cumulative Fines: Over €3 million |
| Project Cost: €1.5 billion |
| Construction Start Date: June 2023 |
Worker Dismissals Follow Labor Inspection
Following the launch of the investigation, Extreme Works began dismissing affected workers in batches, often just days before scheduled protests outside the stadium. The company claimed the layoffs were due to completion of work phases, but the CCOO union has filed lawsuits for wrongful dismissal, arguing that workers were terminated after seeking union support.
Approximately 14 workers were reportedly fired in early November after participating in protests and requesting assistance from labor unions. Some dismissed workers remain in Barcelona, attempting to regularize their immigration status by demonstrating they have resided and worked in Spain for extended periods.
Barcelona’s Response to Camp Nou Labor Crisis
FC Barcelona has maintained that it works closely with Limak to ensure compliance with Spanish labor laws and that subcontractors are directly responsible for worker conditions. However, the club has not specifically addressed the allegations regarding undocumented labor, excessive working hours, or the dismissals that followed the investigation at the Camp Nou construction site.
The complex subcontracting chain employed in the Camp Nou project has made oversight challenging, with labor officials noting that responsibility has been difficult to establish as it shifts between multiple companies. This multi-layered structure has allowed labor violations to persist at Barcelona’s most significant construction project in decades.
Health Concerns Emerge at Camp Nou Site
Beyond labor violations, health concerns have also surfaced at the Camp Nou construction site. Barcelona’s public health authorities launched an investigation after one worker tested positive for tuberculosis. Officials have tested 23 co-workers and continue monitoring for additional potential cases, adding another dimension to the growing controversy surrounding the stadium renovation.
Barcelona Returns to Camp Nou Despite Ongoing Issues
Despite the labor scandal, Barcelona officially returned to playing at Camp Nou in late November 2025 after more than 900 days of exile at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The partial reopening allows approximately 45,000 fans to attend matches, though construction work continues throughout the stadium as the ambitious transformation progresses toward its projected completion in late 2027.
The Barcelona club celebrated its homecoming with a commanding 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, marking an emotional return to the iconic venue. However, the celebration has been overshadowed by revelations about working conditions and labor violations that have marred what should have been a triumphant moment for the Catalan giants.
In their second match back at the partially renovated Camp Nou, Barcelona secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves on November 29. Despite conceding within the first minute, the Blaugrana fought back through goals from Lamine Yamal and a brace from Dani Olmo, moving them to the top of La Liga with 34 points. The victory extended Barcelona’s winning streak to four consecutive league matches and maintained their impressive scoring run.
Barcelona are set to host Atletico Madrid tonight at Camp Nou in a crucial top-of-the-table clash. With only three points separating the two sides, this match represents a significant opportunity for the Catalan club to establish a commanding lead in the La Liga title race. Atletico Madrid arrive at the renovated stadium on a seven-match winning streak, setting up what promises to be an intense encounter between two of Spain’s most in-form teams.
Impact on Barcelona’s Reputation
The labor violations at the Camp Nou construction site represent a significant image problem for FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs. Despite earlier promises to sign a union agreement to prevent exploitation, that deal was never finalized, leaving workers vulnerable to the violations now coming to light.
Labor Secretary Paco Ramos has confirmed that inspections will continue at the Camp Nou site, with a comprehensive final report expected within weeks. This report could lead to stricter oversight requirements for subcontractors working on what is now one of Europe’s largest and most scrutinized stadium renovation projects.
The ongoing labor controversy at Camp Nou serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of proper oversight in large-scale construction projects. As Barcelona continues its ambitious stadium transformation, the club faces mounting pressure to ensure that the pursuit of architectural excellence does not come at the expense of worker rights and dignity.
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FAQs
How many workers were found without proper documentation at Camp Nou?
Labor inspections discovered 79 Turkish workers employed at the Barcelona Camp Nou construction site without the necessary work permits or legal documentation required to work in Spain.
What was the fine imposed on the Camp Nou subcontractor?
The Catalan Labor Inspectorate imposed a fine of 1.09 million euros on Extreme Works, the subcontractor responsible for employing the undocumented workers at Barcelona’s stadium renovation project.
When did Barcelona return to playing at Camp Nou?
Barcelona officially returned to Camp Nou in late November 2025 after spending more than 900 days playing at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys while renovation work progressed at their historic home stadium.
What is the total cost of the Camp Nou renovation project?
The Espai Barça project, which includes the Camp Nou renovation and other FC Barcelona facilities, carries a total price tag of approximately 1.5 billion euros, making it one of the largest stadium projects in European football history.
How many labor violations have been documented at Camp Nou?
Since construction began in June 2023, the Catalan Labor Inspectorate has opened 218 separate investigations into irregularities at the Barcelona Camp Nou construction site, resulting in fines exceeding 3 million euros across more than 200 documented violations.
