Barcelona receive first occupancy license as Camp Nou return nears

Barcelona are getting closer to their long-awaited return to the Spotify Camp Nou after more than a year away from their iconic home ground.

According to SPORT, the Blaugranas have received the first occupancy permit for Phase 1A of the stadium’s renovation.

This means the club is getting closer to welcoming fans back to the stadium, although they will not be allowed to host a full house just yet.

The license only permits around 26,000 fans to fill the first two tiers of the Grandstand and South Goal areas. But Barca are not jumping at the chance to make a partial return to Camp Nou.

The club has decided to wait until the next stage, Phase 1B, is approved by the Barcelona City Council.

That permit will allow access to the Grandstand, South Goal and Lateral stands, while the club would also be allowed to house around 45,400 spectators.

Barca will continue hosting home games at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

Their upcoming fixtures against Olympiacos in the Champions League and Elche in La Liga will take place there.

Their most realistic return date to Camp Nou is scheduled for after the next international break, which will be on the weekend of November 22-23.

La Liga has already set the schedule for that round of fixtures. Barcelona’s 13th league match of the season will be on Saturday, November 22, against Athletic Club. 

The official venue is yet to be confirmed, but if they get the green light to go ahead with Phase 1B, the game against Athletic could mark the grand reopening of the renovated Camp Nou.

Hansi Flick’s side have made a fine start to their La Liga title defence, although they’re two points behind leaders Real Madrid after nine games.

Both sides will lock horns in the first El Clasico of the season this weekend, and it could be a defining moment for each club’s long-term ambitions.