FC Barcelona stumbles over the same stone again. Despite the announcements, promises, and the excitement caused, the return to Camp Nou won't take place in August.
The Joan Gamper Trophy, which was supposed to be the symbolic act of coming home, won't be played at the blaugrana stadium. Joan Laporta and his board have had to accept the inevitable.
An Announced and Halted Return
Just a few weeks ago, the club was celebrating loudly, Camp Nou would reopen its doors. The chosen day: August 10, the reason: the Joan Gamper, in front of about 32,000 fans. The setting: the new Camp Nou, still under construction, but ready for a first reunion with the supporters.
However, in the last few hours, everything has changed. FC Barcelona, according to Sport, hasn't received one of the most important permits in time to be able to use the stadium. The consequence is clear: the match can't be played there.
The Permit That Complicates Everything
The Barcelona City Council had already taken a first step: approving the modification of the construction and activity permit. But another key document was missing: the first occupancy permit. Meanwhile, that hasn't arrived.
This permit is essential for any facility under construction to be able to welcome the public again. Although the club has been in constant dialogue with the city council for days, it hasn't managed to obtain it. Without a permit, there's no match and without a match, there's no return.
The club's official statement will arrive in the coming hours. In it, they'll explain why the Joan Gamper Trophy will be played outside Camp Nou, but without giving many more details. Neither the opponent nor the location, they want to control the timing.
A Gamper without a Home
Although it's not confirmed, everything points to the chosen opponent being Como 1907, the Italian team where Cesc Fàbregas is a board member and prominent figure. The match, which was supposed to be a tribute to the former footballer and a celebration for the culés, will now have to find a new venue.
This isn't the first time something like this has happened. Last season, the club already hinted at the possibility of returning to Camp Nou earlier than expected and it didn't happen either. This time, the plan seemed more solid, but it has been derailed again.
Laporta's Image, Damaged
This setback has an institutional reading, Joan Laporta strongly backed setting a date for the return. He sold it as a management victory. A milestone in the construction of the new stadium, but reality has struck again.
With no permit, all that's left is to wait. The fans, who were already excited about returning to their seats, will have to keep waiting. It won't be in August and there's still no new clear date.