UEFA sceptical about Camp Nou readiness for Barcelona’s CL group phase matches | OneFootball

Barcelona are racing against time as they look to get everything in order for their grand return to Camp Nou.

Unfortunately, the club are finding it difficult to meet all the necessary prerequisites for a September return.

Although La Liga’s recent visit largely led to a positive response, UEFA are much more sceptical about Camp Nou’s readiness.

UEFA not entirely convinced of Camp Nou return

According to RAC1, UEFA inspectors visited the stadium a month ago to assess the progress of the renovation work.

While they did not completely rule out the possibility of Champions League matches being played at the Camp Nou in the first phase, they were far from convinced.

Their concerns stem from doubts over whether the venue will meet all safety and infrastructure standards in time for the start of the competition.

Barcelona are racing against time to get Camp Nou up and running (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Barcelona, for their part, remain hopeful. The club are planning to request that their first group-stage match be played away from home, effectively buying themselves an extra two weeks.

However, the report adds that UEFA is not in favour of this request and may reject the proposal, which could serve as a major blow for the Catalans.

Work on the stadium continues at full pace, and while certain key areas, such as VIP seating, have been completed, other critical zones are still under construction.

With less than two months to go before the start of the Champions League, Barcelona are walking a tightrope.

Whether or not they can clear the obstacles and get Camp Nou up and running by the stipulated timeframe remains to be seen.