Blow for Barcelona as City Council deny Camp Nou permit ahead of Real Sociedad clash | OneFootball

Barcelona are desperate to return to the Spotify Camp Nou after weeks of uncertainty over their home venue for matches, and the club’s plan was to play the clash against Real Sociedad at the historic venue.

Ahead of the game, members of the Barcelona City Council visited the facility to examine it for the green light and to provide the approvals needed for the first occupancy permit.

In fact, Joan Laporta even confirmed earlier today that the final decision now lies with the council and no longer in the club’s hands.

“The ball is now in the City Council’s court,” he said.

Negative news

As relayed by Catalunya Radio in a recent update, the City Council has not granted Barcelona the first occupancy license for the stadium yet, as there were still some deficiencies that need to be addressed.

The wait continues. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The firefighters discovered a concern in terms of safety matters in case of any emergency flame, and that factor appears to have cost Barcelona their license ahead of the next home game.

Joan Laporta recently confirmed that UEFA and La Liga have provided the green light from their end and that all that remains is the final permission from the city council. All eyes, thus, are on how long it will take the club to address the deficiencies.

The Catalans’ game against Real Sociedad kicks off in the evening of the 28th of this month, leaving the administration with less than a week to make the required changes and receive the first occupancy permit.

With time no longer on their side, they must even consider preparing an alternative venue – either the Estadi Johan Cruyff or the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Playing the game at the Spotify Camp Nou is no longer a valid option.