Barcelona, Spain — Barcelona treasurer Ferran Olive has conceded that the club is “late” in rebuilding the Camp Nou, acknowledging that the long-overdue renovation should have commenced years ago. His admission came as president Joan Laporta praised the Spotify Camp Nou project, describing it as the “collective dream of Barcelona fans” and a legacy that future generations will inherit.
After several months of delays, the Barcelona City Council has officially approved the Phase 1A occupancy permit, allowing 27,000 spectators to return to the partially completed Camp Nou. However, the club has opted to continue playing its home matches at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc, citing financial prudence as the primary reason.
Club officials explained that the Montjuïc venue currently provides greater matchday revenue than a limited-capacity Camp Nou would generate, making the temporary stay a more sustainable option amid ongoing construction.
Strategic Delay in Espai Barça Project
The decision marks a significant juncture in the Espai Barça project, one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in European football. Under Phase 1B, the club aims to increase capacity to 47,000 spectators, which would also meet UEFA’s requirements for hosting Champions League fixtures.
Vice President Elena Fort suggested that Barcelona’s official return to Camp Nou could coincide with the club’s 126th anniversary in late November, calling it “an ideal moment” for the long-awaited homecoming.
While the extended stay at Montjuïc has frustrated many supporters, the board insists that the delay serves the club’s long-term interests. Officials emphasised that additional time allows for comprehensive safety inspections and technical validations, ensuring that the renovated areas comply with both local and European standards.
Olive: “We Should Have Built This Stadium Years Ago”
Speaking during the club’s General Assembly, treasurer Olive was forthright about the timing of the project.
“We should have built this stadium years ago; we’re late. And we’re doing it so we can compete with the best clubs in the world,” he said.
Olive outlined the financial impact of the redevelopment, noting that Barcelona currently generates around €175 million ($204m) in stadium revenue for the 2024–25 season. With the new stadium completed, he projected that figure could rise to €400 million ($466m) annually, underscoring the project’s central role in the club’s economic recovery.
Laporta: “A Legacy for Future Generations”
President Laporta echoed Olive’s sentiments, framing the project as both a symbol of renewal and a reaffirmation of Barcelona’s identity.
“Spotify Camp Nou is the collective dream of Barcelona fans and the legacy that future generations will have,” Laporta said. “We have had the courage to reactivate this project that had been put on hold. The members deserve to see this dream realised.”
Controversy and Commercial Reinforcement
Valued at nearly €1 billion ($1.17bn), the Espai Barça project remains one of the most scrutinised ventures in the club’s modern history. Its construction contract was awarded to Turkish firm Limak, a decision that raised concerns after reports suggested the company received the lowest technical evaluation score compared to Spanish competitors Ferrovial and FCC.
Limak’s proposal, which required an upfront payment of approximately €200 million ($233m) — significantly higher than rival bids — prompted questions regarding transparency and long-term financing. Club executives have defended the decision, arguing that Limak’s proposal best satisfied the strict deadlines set by UEFA and local authorities.
The redevelopment will transform the Camp Nou into a state-of-the-art football and entertainment complex, complete with a new Palau Blaugrana arena and upgraded training facilities, forming the centrepiece of the wider Espai Barça ecosystem.
Strengthening Commercial Partnerships
Off the field, Barcelona have strengthened their financial base through an extended partnership with Spotify. The renewed agreement keeps the streaming platform as the club’s main sponsor until 2030, while extending stadium naming rights until 2034.
The partnership, described by club executives as a synergy between football and global entertainment culture, ensures consistent revenue during the reconstruction phase and beyond.
For Barcelona, the message from Laporta and Olive is clear: while the rebuild may have come late, the new Spotify Camp Nou is designed to secure the club’s financial future and global competitiveness, while preserving its deep-rooted identity in world football.
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