Khaberni - The European Football Union (UEFA) granted its approval for the return of Barcelona's UEFA Champions League matches to the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium, although the regulations of the tournament usually do not allow changing the stadium during the first round.
This decision came exceptionally for Barcelona after reviewing the request of the Catalan club, which confirmed that its objective was not to gain a home advantage but to return to its stadium after a forced absence due to renovation works.
According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo", the strong relations between Barcelona and UEFA contributed once again to reaching this decision, as happened previously when the EU agreed to the club's request to start its campaign in the current edition away from home.
The newspaper explained that UEFA inspectors will visit Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday, November 29, during the Deportivo Alaves match, to inspect operational aspects on the ground, which will be the team's second official appearance at the stadium after the return.
The UEFA Champions League will return to Spotify Camp Nou after 1,140 days from the last European match played there, which was the painful defeat against Bayern Munich (0-3) on October 26, 2022.
According to the information obtained by the newspaper, UEFA has given the green light for Barcelona's match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday, December 9 (21:00), at Camp Nou instead of the Olympic Louis Companys.
The regulations raised doubts, as article 25.08 of the tournament's rules states that no stadium change is allowed during the league stage, but UEFA accepted Barcelona's explanation, which clarified that the return is not linked to any sporting or fan advantages, but rather to ending the compelling circumstances that imposed the temporary relocation due to the redesign project.
This file extends back to the past few months, when the close relationship between Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, and Aleksander Ceferin, president of UEFA, played a central role in getting approval to start the 2025-26 Champions League season away from home, to give the club an additional two weeks to prepare Louis Companys stadium after the summer concerts, although the original goal was to start the season at Spotify Camp Nou.
With the club obtaining the "initial occupancy license" from the Barcelona City Council within stage 1B, which allows opening the east side stands at Camp Nou in the upcoming match against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, the newly renovated stadium is ready again to host Champions League matches.
UEFA required the presence of an audience behind the broadcast cameras in the "television side," in addition to allocating 5% of the capacity for the visiting team's fans.
After Barcelona submitted all the required documents, the response from the headquarters in Nyon came with approval for the Catalan club's request.
Camp Nou History
Camp Nou is one of the most significant sports landmarks in the world and a symbol of the iconic identity of FC Barcelona.
The stadium was officially opened on September 24, 1957, after years of planning and construction to meet the growing needs of the club following its successive successes in Spanish football.
The construction of Camp Nou was a solution to the previous ground, Casas Viejas stadium, which no longer accommodated the increasing number of fans and was below the level the club aspired to at that time.
Initially, Camp Nou was designed to accommodate about 93,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in Europe at that time. Its architectural design was intended to meet global standards, with ample seating spaces and a field equipped with the latest technologies of that era.
The vast space of the stands created an exceptional atmosphere inside the stadium, quickly becoming a focal point for football fans worldwide and home to the famously passionate FC Barcelona fans.
Over the decades, Camp Nou has seen many developments and expansions. In the seventies and eighties, the club began introducing improvements to facilities and infrastructure, including expanding the stands and installing comfortable seats, in addition to developing areas designated for media and luxury suites. Over time, the stadium has been equipped with the latest lighting systems and display screens, with improvements in security systems, making the fan experience more comfortable and safer.
Among the historical events hosted at the stadium, it has hosted many major matches, both locally and internationally, including the Copa del Rey finals and the UEFA Champions League, as well as Spain national team matches during various periods. Camp Nou's history does not only include football but also other sports events and massive concerts, reflecting its status as a cultural and sports landmark in the heart of Barcelona.
Camp Nou is more than just a stadium; it is a symbol of the club's identity and culture. The famous wall at the stadium's entrance, decorated with photos and achievements of the club, reflects the history of Barcelona spanning more than a century. The stadium has also become an important tourist center, attracting thousands of visitors annually to visit the club museum and tour the stadium, providing them with both a historical and cultural sports experience.
In recent years, Camp Nou has entered a new phase of development with the "Espai Barça" project, aimed at modernizing all the club's facilities and increasing the stadium's capacity.
The project includes improvements in infrastructure, creation of multi-use areas, and enhancement of fan services, in addition to providing the latest technologies in lighting, sound, and surveillance. This project aims to make Camp Nou one of the most advanced stadiums in the world, while preserving its historical and cultural identity.
Camp Nou remains a true icon of football, not just as a large stadium with a unique architectural design, but also as a symbol of the club and its fans, as every corner of the stadium carries memories of victories and championships, from historic goals to decisive moments in European and domestic tournaments.
The history of Camp Nou is the history of Barcelona itself, reflecting every expansion or development the club's desire to keep up with the times without abandoning its rich heritage.
Kooora
