Barcelona seeking UEFA approval for two-venue strategy for the Champions League | OneFootball

Barcelona are navigating a crucial phase as they prepare for the upcoming season, grappling with the logistical challenge of returning to their beloved Spotify Camp Nou stadium.

Last season, due to ongoing construction at Espai Barça, the club found itself temporarily housed at Estadi Olimpic de Montjuic.

Now, with plans to potentially reopen Camp Nou at limited capacity early next year, Barcelona have petitioned UEFA for a unique accommodation: the ability to split their home matches between the Estadi Olímpic and the partially reopened Camp Nou, reports Diario AS.

Playing at two stadiums is against the rules

This request, while unconventional under UEFA regulations that typically mandate teams to host all matches in a single venue throughout the competition, underscores Barcelona’s dual commitment to both sporting excellence and the celebration of their forthcoming 125th anniversary.

The club’s proposal seeks to mitigate the financial strain incurred during their tenure at Estadi Olimpic, where ticket revenues, despite reasonable attendance, pale in comparison to those generated at their iconic Camp Nou.

Barcelona want to play Champions League matches across two venues next season. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

At its core, Barcelona’s plea to UEFA represents a pragmatic solution to a complex situation.

There is no other option for Barcelona anyway

By temporarily dividing their home fixtures between two stadiums, they aim not only to honour their historic legacy but also to responsibly manage the transitional phase of Espai Barça’s construction.

The prospect of returning to Camp Nou, slated in late December, even in a limited capacity, holds symbolic significance for the club and its passionate fan base, who eagerly anticipate the restoration of their hallowed ground.

While UEFA’s regulations typically emphasise consistency in venue, Barcelona’s case is unique in its blend of necessity and tradition.

The club’s commitment to complying with UEFA guidelines while accommodating extenuating circumstances reflects a balance between regulatory adherence and operational flexibility.

Moreover, the financial implications of playing at Camp Nou, even at reduced capacity, are pivotal for sustaining Barcelona’s economic health amidst ongoing construction costs and revenue challenges.