Barcelona optimistic about receiving Camp Nou expansion licence in time for Sevilla clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona continues to await a formal response from the City Council regarding the 1C license for the Spotify Camp Nou – a permit that would expand the stadium’s capacity to 62,000 spectators.

The Catalans submitted all the necessary documentation several weeks ago and are now waiting for the municipal approval that would allow the reopening of the Gol Nord stand.

At the same time, Barça have already activated the process for members to purchase the corresponding season tickets tied to the expansion – approximately 14,000 new seats.

Optimism about receiving approval for Sevilla clash

As previously reported, the 1C license will not arrive in time for the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal against Atletico Madrid on March 3.

That match would have been an ideal occasion for Hansi Flick’s side to benefit from an increased number of supporters at the stadium.

Now, according to SPORT, all parties involved are optimistic that the 1C license could be granted within less than a month. The realistic target date is Barça’s next home fixture after Atletico’s cup visit: Sunday, 15 March, against Sevilla.

Barcelona are waiting to welcome 62,000 fans to the stadium. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

If everything progresses as planned, although past stadium precedents make it difficult to rule out unexpected delays, and if the match schedule is not altered due to the Champions League calendar, that day could mark a major celebration at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The City Council has imposed more obstacles than initially expected, particularly concerning access requirements, in order to authorise the opening of the first and second tiers of Gol Nord – areas that have in fact been structurally completed for some time.

The initial expectation was that Barcelona would have the requisite licence by the end of January, but a month later, things have yet to be resolved.

However, there is now optimism inside the club that they will receive the permit before the Sevilla clash on 15 March.

It is also worth noting that the club’s presidential elections will be held on that same day.

Members of the club will therefore be able to exercise their right to vote and choose the president for the next five-year term, adding institutional significance to an already important sporting date.