Barcelona growing pessimistic about Camp Nou return as Joan Gamper contingency plans begin

Barcelona’s plans to return to the Spotify Camp Nou have hit another roadblock. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, although the club has received the first license required for construction and activities at the stadium, this approval alone is not enough to bring fans back into the stands just yet.

The club is now waiting for the final decision from the Barcelona City Council regarding the second license, known as the “initial occupancy license.” 

This is the one that will allow fans to safely enter the Camp Nou again. The answer is expected between Thursday and Friday of this week, but sources inside the club are not feeling too optimistic.

If the council grants this license, Barcelona would be able to welcome up to 30,000 supporters, half of the current limited capacity, for the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como on August 10. 

This would mark a symbolic return home after months away from Camp Nou due to ongoing renovations.

Contingency in place

Barcelona are yet to receive the second licence. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, Barcelona fear that the City Council may not give the green light in time. If the second license is denied or delayed, the club may have to move the Gamper Trophy to the Johan Cruyff Stadium. 

This venue, which holds just 6,000 fans, is much smaller and would make the event feel very different from the usual Camp Nou spectacle.

The first approval from the council last week was seen as a step in the right direction, but it has not solved the full problem. Until Barcelona receive the second license, their return to Camp Nou remains uncertain.

The club understands that the final decision could go either way. For now, the hope is that the necessary safety checks and paperwork will be completed in time. 

If not, the Johan Cruyff Stadium will become the backup plan for the Gamper match, leaving thousands of fans disappointed.