UEFA rejects Barcelona's request: What are the details? | OneFootball

Getty Images

Barcelona's preparations for their upcoming Champions League campaign have been dealt an early complication after their appeal to UEFA was turned down. The club had formally petitioned the European football authority in July, hoping to schedule their first group stage match as an away game.

This request was motivated by the significant renovations currently underway at their home stadium, the Camp Nou, which could have impacted their ability to host a major fixture. UEFA, however, has denied the appeal, citing a long-standing policy of not accommodating such scheduling changes for any club. The governing body acknowledged receiving the request but emphasized that this type of exception is not granted.

UEFA has firmly reiterated its policy of impartiality to Barcelona, stating that the draw procedure is never subject to special requests or conditions. This definitive response means the club's fate now rests entirely on the outcome of the official draw on August 28th.

Barcelona’s schedule will be determined by chance. If the draw assigns them an away match, manager Hansi Flick and his squad will begin their European campaign on the road in mid-September. This scenario would subsequently delay their first Champions League home game at the Camp Nou until the end of September or the very beginning of October.