UEFA has approved Barcelona’s request to host Champions League matches at their partially rebuilt Camp Nou, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
The announcement comes just days after Barcelona revealed plans for their long-awaited return to league action at the stadium, which has faced over two years of construction setbacks and delays.
The Spanish champions are set to welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to Camp Nou on December 9, shortly after reopening the venue for domestic play against Athletic Bilbao on November 22.
In a statement, the club said UEFA had granted approval after confirming that “all the necessary requirements have been met.”
Barcelona’s return to Camp Nou marks the end of a chaotic period in which repeated delays, safety-licence issues, and construction problems forced the club to postpone the stadium’s reopening multiple times. Earlier this season, they were even required to play two matches at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium after failing to secure the needed safety permits.
Since then, Barcelona have been using the 55,000-seat Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc hill. When Camp Nou reopens against Bilbao, it will operate with a temporary capacity of 45,401 spectators, eventually expanding to 105,000 once the top tier is completed.
As part of the testing process, more than 23,000 fans were admitted earlier in November to watch an open training session.
The delays have dealt a major financial blow to the club, which relies heavily on matchday revenue for stability. Barcelona are investing an estimated €1.5 billion ($1.74bn) in the stadium’s massive redevelopment.
