Barca receives UEFA ruling ahead of the Champions League kickoff

UEFA has granted Barcelona approval to play the first match of the 2025/26 Champions League on the road, giving the team additional time to choose their home stadium between Camp Nou and Montjuïc.

According to TV3, UEFA accepted Barcelona's request to play the opening fixture of the 2025/26 Champions League season away from home, which provides the club more time to determine whether Spotify Camp Nou or Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc will serve as their home ground for European cup matches.

This decision came after UEFA conducted an inspection of Camp Nou to assess the stadium's readiness amid ongoing renovation works. The inspection focused on whether Camp Nou meets the strict standards required to host Champions League matches and reviewed the progress of construction.

Barcelona is currently under significant pressure to complete the Certificate of Final Completion (CFO) issued by the Barcelona City Council, a necessary condition to obtain the initial operating permit. With less than three weeks remaining, the team is set to host their first La Liga home game against Valencia on September 13 or 14.

If Camp Nou reopens in phase 1A, its capacity will be only 27,000 seats, insufficient to meet UEFA's broadcasting requirements. UEFA mandates that the stadium add stands in phase 1B to reach a minimum capacity of 45,000 seats. In the final phase 1C, the Gol Nord stand will be put into use. Should progress be delayed, Barcelona may be forced to use Montjuïc stadium, where they have signed an agreement with the City Council to play during the first half of the season.

However, a Post Malone concert scheduled for September 12 at Montjuïc complicates preparations for the match against Valencia.

UEFA's approval grants Barcelona greater flexibility in arranging venues while maintaining their strong La Liga start under coach Hansi Flick.

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