Barcelona’s Camp Nou delays are causing further financial strain on the club, with the Spanish giants being forced to move back to the Montjuic stadium for the time being. Each match at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys costs Barca a hefty amount as institutional vice-president Elena Fort confirmed they are navigating the costs while awaiting the reopening of their iconic stadium.
Montjuic hosting continues amid Camp Nou delays
The Blaugrana outfit will host their upcoming La Liga clash against Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic rather than at Camp Nou. The Catalans’ intended return to their renovated home ground has been repeatedly postponed due to licensing and safety approvals. The next potential Camp Nou fixture is now scheduled for October 18 against Girona, over a month after this weekend’s match. These delays have forced Barca to adapt quickly, relying on Montjuic’s 55,000-seat capacity to accommodate fans and continue the season.
AdvertisementAFPFinancial impact of Montjuic matches
The club faces huge costs each time it plays away from the Camp Nou. Institutional VP Fort revealed on that Barcelona must pay between €300,000 and €900,000 per match at Montjuic, averaging roughly half a million euros. These fees represent a notable financial burden compared to revenue from the 6,000-seat Johan Cruyff Stadium, where Barca played the first two home games of the season. With multiple home fixtures set at Montjuic, including the upcoming Champions League clash with PSG, these costs could quickly accumulate.
Why is Camp Nou refurbishment delays?
The €1.5 billion Camp Nou renovation began in June 2023 with the aim of modernising the stadium and expanding capacity to 105,000. The original plan was to reopen in November 2024, coinciding with the club’s 125th anniversary, but progress has been slower than anticipated. Safety approvals, fire department checks, and pending occupancy licenses have delayed reopening. Johan Cruyff Stadium has temporarily accommodated home games, but revenue is limited, leaving Montjuic as the interim solution for larger matches.
Club’s strategic approach and fan communication
Barca thanked supporters for their understanding amid the complex logistics of the Camp Nou project. Operations director Joan Sentelles emphasised: “Just because it’s not finished, doesn’t mean it’s not safe,” while deputy mayor Laia Bonet highlighted public safety as the priority. The club continue to liaise with city authorities to secure licensing for phased openings, balancing safety requirements with financial and sporting needs.
