FC Barcelona will play Sunday’s La Liga clash against Valencia at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, as the iconic Spotify Camp Nou is still awaiting official clearance to reopen amid its ongoing rebuild.
The Catalan giants had initially planned to return to their home ground with a reduced-capacity crowd, but the club has yet to secure the required permits.
“The club is working intensively to obtain the necessary administrative permits to open Spotify Camp Nou in the coming weeks,” Barcelona said in a statement.
“Barcelona thanks its members, fans, and supporters for their understanding and support during such a complex and exciting process as the return to the new Spotify Camp Nou.”
The Johan Cruyff Stadium, located at Barça’s training complex, seats about 6,000 spectators and is usually home to the women’s team.
Barcelona closed Camp Nou at the end of the 2022/23 season for extensive renovation, with hopes of partially reopening in November 2024. However, repeated delays in construction and licensing have forced the club to extend their stay away from the iconic ground.
Until last season, Barça played their home matches at the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc Hill, but a scheduled Post Malone concert on Friday ruled out using the venue this weekend.
The ambitious rebuild, estimated to cost €1.5 billion ($1.75 billion), is expected to be fully completed in 2026, transforming Camp Nou into one of the most modern stadiums in the world.
