FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta has addressed the ongoing delays in returning to Spotify Camp Nou and confirmed plans for a potential Lionel Messi tribute during the stadium’s grand reopening. In an exclusive interview with Mundo Deportivo, Laporta explained the licensing issues behind the missed August 10 Joan Gamper Trophy target date while outlining the club’s ambitious renovation timeline.
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Stadium Return Timeline: Key Challenges & Solutions
The Camp Nou renovation has faced multiple hurdles affecting Barcelona’s return to their iconic home:
| Issue | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Construction License | ✅ Granted | Work progressing rapidly |
| Activity License | ✅ Granted | Operations approved |
| First Occupancy License | ❌ Pending | Prevents stadium reopening |
| Financial Commitments | 🔴 Critical | Goldman Sachs agreement depends on return |
Current Capacity Plans: Initial reopening targets 27,000-30,000 spectators with the North Goal and Lateral stands closed for safety compliance and construction material storage.
Financial Stakes: Why Timing Matters
Revenue Impact: Laporta emphasized that staying at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys costs significant revenue. “With 62,000 spectators, we could have doubled our income compared to Montjuïc’s lower capacity,” he stated.
Commercial Success: The club has already sold 475 VIP seats for €100 million in late 2024, with new four-seat VIP products generating additional income that helped register players Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor.
Goldman Sachs Agreement: All financial projections and loan agreements are contingent on returning to Camp Nou this season, making delays potentially catastrophic for the club’s budget.
Lionel Messi Tribute: A Dream Homecoming
Laporta confirmed long-standing plans to honor Barcelona’s greatest player: “Inaugurating the new Spotify Camp Nou with a tribute to Leo Messi would be ideal. The message has reached his family, and there have been conversations.”
Tribute Details: While specifics remain undisclosed, the gesture would mark Messi’s first official recognition at Camp Nou since his emotional 2021 departure to PSG and subsequent move to Inter Miami.
Construction Progress & UEFA Considerations
Three-Phase Plan: Barcelona has implemented a revised construction schedule with specific milestones to avoid future delays, working closely with construction company Limak and Barcelona City Council.
Champions League Backup: The club has formally requested UEFA permission to play their first Champions League group stage match away from home, with the draw scheduled for August 28.
September Deadline: The critical Barcelona vs Valencia fixture (September 13-14) represents another key deadline, though Laporta remains confident about finding solutions.
The Camp Nou renovation represents southern Europe’s most ambitious stadium project, with Laporta describing it as an “architectural gem” that will continue construction during matches with full safety guarantees.
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