Joan Laporta continues working to make Barça the best club in the world. He's already solved some of the financial deficiencies that have plagued the coffers of the club for several seasons and now he wants more. The agreement with Nike is the first step but not the only one.
Joan Laporta's great dream is the new Camp Nou. The Barça home ground is undergoing modifications to become one of the best stadiums in the world. Laporta is running into many difficulties regarding this, however. In addition to the slow pace of the works and the lack of planning, UEFA's decision is now being added.
Barça has announced that they are postponing their return to Camp Nou much later than expected by Joan Laporta. This decision has caused a wave of reactions among fans, who make UEFA responsible for this delay.
UEFA Doesn't Allow Camp Nou to be Opened before Its Time
According to the club's statement, UEFA regulations prohibit changing stadiums during the Champions League's initial phase. This rule has forced Barça to keep its matches at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys until the conclusion of said phase. The board, headed by Joan Laporta, has expressed its dissatisfaction with this regulation, arguing that it limits the flexibility of the club at critical moments.
In addition to the restrictions imposed by UEFA, there is also the money. The Catalonian club has faced logistical and economic challenges when considering the simultaneous operation of two large-capacity stadiums. Maintaining both the Estadi Olímpic and Camp Nou operational involves a significant additional cost. This situation has led Joan Laporta to opt to continue at Montjuïc until conditions are more favorable for the return.
New Obstacle for Joan Laporta
The decision has sparked a chain reaction among Barça fans. Many have expressed their frustration, blaming UEFA for what they see as inflexible regulations. Fans are eager to get a taste of their new home, which is looking better by the day.
Joan Laporta is working hard to ensure that the return to Camp Nou takes place in the best possible conditions for players and fans. However, this decision by UEFA means that his plans are in vain. His idea was to start the new year playing at Camp Nou but he will have to wait a little longer.
With the return to Camp Nou postponed, Joan Laporta is focusing on finishing the pending works at the stadium by mid-January next year. The Barça board expects that, once UEFA restrictions are over, the team can return to its original home with an initial capacity of 64,000 spectators. The stadium is expected to be fully operational for the 2026-2027 season, with a total capacity of 104,000 seats.