Barcelona could reopen Camp Nou against Girona next month with 45,000 fans – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona continue to wait for the First Occupancy Licence that would allow Hansi Flick’s team to return to playing at Spotify Camp Nou.

The club had worked towards making the return possible this Sunday against Real Sociedad, considering that phase 1A was complete. This phase would permit the use of the first two tiers of the main stand and the south goal, with capacity for 27,000 spectators.

However, the Barcelona City Council rejected this option on Tuesday. The council explained that there were still issues to be improved concerning stadium evacuation and safety, and therefore, the permit could not be granted.

The decision did not sit well with the Blaugrana, who had organised a media visit to the stadium the same Tuesday.

Barcelona hope to return vs Girona with 45,000 fans

Barça now hopes that the First Occupancy Licence will be ready for the next home match in La Liga, against Girona on 18 October.

Optimism also comes from the City Council, who believe there is sufficient time for Barcelona to resolve the points raised.

Now, according to SPORT, Barcelona are hoping to mark the return against Girona with 45,000 fans and not 27,000.

Return likely next month. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As per the report, the lateral stand, which completes phase 1B, is almost ready.

Everything is prepared for the visit of Dekra, the company accredited by the City Council that must produce the technical report required for the licence to be issued.

The inspection will take place in the coming days. Once the lateral stand can be occupied, stadium capacity will rise to 45,000 spectators.

This is also one of UEFA’s requirements for Spotify Camp Nou to host Champions League matches. For now, Flick’s side will play their first home game in the competition, against PSG, at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, where they will also face Real Sociedad this Sunday.

Once the lateral stand is approved, the club will discuss with UEFA the possibility of hosting the remainder of the Champions League group stage at Spotify Camp Nou.

No one within the club dares to make predictions, but Barcelona believe that soon they will be able to play at Spotify Camp Nou with 45,000 spectators.