Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed that the club has officially submitted a special request to UEFA ahead of the upcoming Champions League campaign.
Barça Asks UEFA to Schedule Opening UCL Game Away
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo on Friday, Laporta explained that Barcelona is requesting UEFA to allow them to play their first Champions League group stage match away from home, due to ongoing delays in their return to the Camp Nou.
- “What we’ve asked UEFA is to allow us to play the first game away from home. The draw is on August 28, and we’ll see then. I hope UEFA allows us to play away,” Laporta stated.
Camp Nou Renovation Delays Spark Concerns
The club had initially planned to reopen the Camp Nou by late 2024, but renovations were delayed. While they were granted modifications to their Activity and Construction Licences, the First Occupancy Licence from the Barcelona City Council is still pending.
As a result, Barça has moved its Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como from Camp Nou to the Estadi Johan Cruyff, raising concerns about venue readiness for UEFA fixtures.
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UEFA Rules Pose a Challenge
UEFA regulations stipulate that clubs cannot use two different stadiums as home grounds during the same Champions League campaign. If Camp Nou isn’t fully operational in time, Barcelona could be forced to play all four league-phase matches at an alternative venue unless UEFA accepts their appeal.
Champions League Draw Scheduled for August 28
The 2025/2026 Champions League draw is scheduled to take place on August 28, and Barcelona is hoping UEFA will grant its request ahead of that date.
The decision could significantly affect the club’s logistics, fan experience, and home advantage during Europe’s top-tier competition.
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