Barcelona gain crucial reprieve from UEFA over Champions League venue | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are working against the clock to resolve their stadium situation, with both La Liga and UEFA deadlines looming. While the Blaugranes are determined to return to the Spotify Camp Nou for their first home La Liga fixture, they also face the pressing question of where they will stage their UEFA Champions League group stage matches.

Time is running short, with August 28 set as the deadline to confirm their home venue with UEFA. However, reports indicate that the governing body of European football is willing to accommodate Barça’s request for additional leeway.

UEFA approves away debut request of Barcelona

According to SPORT, Barcelona asked UEFA to allow them to play their first Champions League group stage match away from home.

The reasoning is straightforward: replicating the strategy used in La Liga, where their first three games are scheduled away to buy time for the Camp Nou works to progress. UEFA has now given the green light and will not oppose this request.

That first UCL matchday, scheduled for September 16–18, will therefore be played on the road. This gives the Catalan club roughly two extra weeks before their potential Camp Nou debut in Europe, with the second round of fixtures set for September 30 and October 1.

One venue rule remains strict

Despite this reprieve, UEFA’s regulations are clear: a club must use the same stadium for all its home fixtures within a given phase of the competition. If Barcelona want to stage Champions League matches at the Camp Nou during the group stage, the stadium must be ready from the outset.

Adding complexity, UEFA requires the Lateral Stand to be open for television purposes. At present, only the Tribuna and Gol Sud sections are included in Phase 1 of the works, with the Lateral scheduled for Phase 1 B. That means any delay in construction could force Barça to rely on their backup plan.

Montjuic secured as fallback by Barcelona

As a precaution, Barcelona have reached an agreement with Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM) to continue using Montjuic Stadium until the end of February. This ensures the club has a viable alternative should the Camp Nou not meet requirements in time.

There is precedent for such flexibility. In 2016, Celta de Vigo were granted permission to start their Europa League campaign away from home while renovation works at Balaidos were being completed. UEFA’s decision with Barça follows the same logic.

Final decision on August 28

Ultimately, Camp Nou’s readiness will dictate Barça’s Champions League venue. With UEFA’s approval to delay their home debut, the club has bought valuable time. But unless the works reach the necessary phase by the August 28 deadline, Montjuic may remain the only feasible option for European nights.