UEFA clears Barcelona for Champions League return to camp Nou

Barcelona have received UEFA’s approval to host Champions League fixtures at their partially rebuilt Camp Nou, the club announced on Wednesday.

The clearance arrives just days after Barça confirmed their long-awaited return to league action at the iconic stadium, ending more than two years in exile caused by construction delays and safety hurdles.

The Spanish champions will welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to Camp Nou on December 9, shortly after the venue’s reinauguration in La Liga against Athletic Bilbao on November 22.

In a statement, Barcelona said UEFA accepted the request “after all necessary requirements were met.”

The return marks the end of a chaotic period during which repeated reopening dates were pushed back due to stalled construction and the club’s inability to secure safety licences. Barça were even forced to play two early-season games at their 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium before shifting to the 55,000-seat Olympic Stadium at Montjuic.

Camp Nou will reopen with a temporary capacity of 45,401 spectators, eventually expanding to 105,000 once the top tier is completed. Earlier this month, 23,000 fans were allowed in for a training session as part of a test event.

The prolonged delays have brought significant financial strain to the club, which is investing an estimated €1.5 billion in the stadium’s reconstruction amid ongoing economic challenges.