Barcelona confident of receiving permit to increase Camp Nou capacity to 60,000 by month end | OneFootball

FC Barcelona made their long-awaited return to the Spotify Camp Nou on 22 November, marking the occasion with a resounding victory over Athletic Club.

This past weekend, the Blaugrana played their second game at the iconic stadium, beating Deportivo Alaves 3-1, while they will host Atletico Madrid at the venue tomorrow night.

Having secured permits corresponding to the Phase 1A and 1B, Barcelona have been able to welcome just a touch over 45,000 fans back to Camp Nou.

Capacity increase around the corner

Now, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that he expects to receive the permit for Phase 1C by the end of December, which would allow the club to increase capacity to around 60,000 spectators.

This permit would allow the opening of the North Stand and the grada de animacion (supporters’ cheering section), to be called Grada 1957.

“I’m the first one who wants to have the supporters’ section up and running, but we still don’t have the permit to do so,” explained Laporta at an event today.

“If there are no unforeseen circumstances, we’ll have it by the end of the month,” the president added.

In any case, the expansion would not take place until 25 January. Barcelona will host Atletico Madrid, Eintracht Frankfurt and Osasuna in the coming weeks, but will not play at home again until late in January, against Real Oviedo.

More fans to return to Camp Nou soon. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Both the club and the construction company, Limak, believe that date would be viable to host around 62,000 spectators.

Laporta calls for unity after positive results

Meanwhile, Laporta also sent a message of unity to the Barcelona fanbase ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

“I ask all members to come and cheer, to be united. We’re in a stadium that’s still under construction. Let’s be patient and close ranks. We must be more united than ever in defending our badge and our players,” he urged.

The president also welcomed the weekend’s results, which put Barcelona back on top in the La Liga standings.

“It was magnificent. We beat Alaves 3-1 in the second match at Camp Nou with a fantastic crowd. We finished top thanks to Girona’s draw against Real Madrid. I wish they [Girona] had won. We’re happy to be in first place,” he said.

Laporta also commented on the image of a dejected-looking Hansi Flick on the bench speaking with Raphinha after the Alaves game.

“Flick is happy. I had breakfast with him on Sunday at the Ciutat Esportiva and asked him about the picture. He lives and breathes football. He was angry about the two expulsions of staff members, Dela [Jose de la Fuente] and Marcus [Marcus Sorg],” he said.

“He’s very demanding, very responsible. He told me it was just a moment. Afterwards, we took the photo with the 126th anniversary cake. He’s happy, excited. He’s motivated to get injured players back,” Laporta affirmed.

Source: Mundo Deportivo