Barcelona president sheds light on Camp Nou delays and possible Lionel Messi tribute | OneFootball

In an exclusive interview with Mundo Deportivo, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta addressed the delays in returning to Spotify Camp Nou and shed light on the reasons behind the missed target of hosting the Joan Gamper Trophy on 10 August.

Laporta explained that when the club publicly announced the return for the Gamper match, they did so based on reliable information that all necessary licences would be granted on time.

“We had the information that the relevant licences would arrive in due time. In fact, we received the construction and activity licences, but not the first occupancy licence,” he said.

“In my address to the club’s Senate, I said that if nothing unforeseen occurred, we would return for the Gamper. When the return was announced, I do not know if I said anything. They made me put my hand on the speaker.”

Although the date appeared on screen during the announcement video, Laporta maintained that the intention was clear.

“I do not know if I spoke in the advert. What I can say is that we will return to Spotify Camp Nou as soon as possible. As always, we are working hand in hand with the City Council to overcome all obstacles. We have no complaints.

“We respect their decision, and our teams are working hard to return as soon as possible. We are being prudent. I see the Council is cooperative, and they understand this is a unique project. The Mayor himself told me this project has a major impact on the city.”

On the matter of construction progress, Laporta said that the club has agreed on a revised plan involving three sub-phases, each with specific milestones. This was designed to avoid the kind of delays experienced in the lead-up to August.

“Work is progressing rapidly. Anyone who visits the site can see it. Limak, the construction company, is fully committed. Our technical team and the City Council are as well.

“We are working in coordination, respecting the law. I believe we will be able to return to Camp Nou soon – although I cannot give a date.”

He explained that the revision of the original work schedule was necessary due to both the actual volume of completed work and feedback from the City Council.

“We had proposed reopening the stadium in phases, as other clubs have done, but the Council was explicit that the progress of the works made it impossible to grant the first occupancy licence.

“We respect that and continue working together. This is about returning home. I believe Barça fans understand that. We are the most invested in this project and sometimes we apply too much pressure.”

With the possibility of venue issues arising for the Barcelona-Valencia league fixture on 13 or 14 September, Laporta acknowledged the challenge but insisted the primary focus remains returning to the Camp Nou.

“The Gamper idea involved opening sections for 27,000 to 30,000 spectators, with the North Goal and Lateral stands closed for emergency exits, where construction materials are currently stored. It would have served as a good test.

“As of 23 July, work is progressing well, and we hope the City Council grants the occupancy licence in time.”

A concert at the Estadi Olímpic on 12 September makes it unlikely that the venue could serve as a fallback for the Valencia match, but Laporta remains confident that solutions will be found.

“There will always be solutions. Our focus is the return to Spotify Camp Nou. We have alternatives, but we are not considering them at this time.”

Regarding the Champions League, the club has already made a formal request to UEFA to play the first group-stage match away from home.

“We have requested to play our first Champions League match away from home. The draw is on 28 August. I hope UEFA allows it. Our relationship with them is improving. I respect Aleksander Ceferin’s work and I think we can trust them.”

Addressing whether setting a specific date was a mistake, Laporta stood firm.

“If you do not set dates, you do not create urgency.”

He stressed that constant pressure is necessary, both internally and externally, to keep the project moving forward.

“Exactly, and they are doing their part, but nobody can afford to be relaxed. I push my team at the club, I push the contractor, and I keep in close communication with the Council so everything moves as quickly as possible.”

On the financial side, Laporta emphasised that returning to Camp Nou this season is essential to meet key budgetary and contractual obligations.

“All our budgets and financial commitments, including the agreement with Goldman Sachs, are based on returning this season. If we do not, everything would need to be redone,” he said.

“We are used to difficult situations, but our assumption is we return as soon as possible to meet all financial projections.”

Some fans have argued that it may be better to stay at Montjuïc until the stadium is completely finished. Laporta acknowledged the sentiment but highlighted the drawbacks.

“I understand that, but Montjuic has a lower capacity. Even with great attendance, we lost revenue. Imagine with 62,000 spectators – we could have doubled our income,” noted Laporta.

“Financially, it makes no sense to stay at Montjuïc when Camp Nou is progressing well. This is an architectural gem, and it will continue to be built while matches are played, with full safety guarantees.”

Barcelona have faced constant delays in Camp Nou return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

In response to critics accusing him of misleading fans, Laporta was dismissive.

“I have nothing to say. I do not deceive anyone – members or otherwise. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.”

He added that he had no regrets about how the project had been handled.

“I only regret things I do on purpose that do not work out. In this case, nothing was done deliberately. Some things go well, some not so well. I do not dwell on small complaints. There is a lot of work at Barça,” said the president.

He added: “Our motto is to work, work, and work some more, and talk as little as possible. Some people talk too much and know too little. We focus on working for the members because we are responsible for managing the club, which has improved a lot.

“And we are tackling the most ambitious project in southern Europe. We do it because we love Barça.”

Laporta also clarified the issue of penalties for the construction company Limak, saying that while delays have occurred, the circumstances are complex.

“I hope not. While penalties have accumulated due to delays in some phases, they are not entirely Limak’s fault. Over 300 issues were expected in the first and second tiers, but nearly 2,000 appeared. That delays things,” he remarked.

Continuing, he added: “Then there are licences and inspections, rain – many variables. We accept them and try to resolve them. We are understanding. We want the project finished, not penalties.

“Limak is highly motivated. We are like a family. We meet every two weeks with their leadership and technical staff to assess progress. The oversight is thorough. We are satisfied. If goals are met, any penalties will be negotiable.”

On the commercial front, Laporta noted strong demand for VIP seating. In late 2024, 475 VIP seats were sold for €100 million, and further products are now being introduced.

“Yes. There is massive demand for PSLs. The VIP boxes sold out quickly, and interest remains high. New products are being launched, such as four-seat blocks with shared VIP lounges. This is generating significant income and helped us register Olmo and Pau Victor.”

Finally, Laporta reiterated a long-standing wish to honour Lionel Messi at the stadium’s reopening.

“We have always said that inaugurating the new Spotify Camp Nou with a tribute to Leo Messi would be ideal. I believe the message has reached his family, and there have already been conversations,” he said.

“We would be delighted. It depends on Leo and his family. I hope it happens. It would be very special,” Laporta concluded.