Barcelona are dealing with a tough scenario concerning the venue for his or her upcoming UEFA Champions League matches, with the membership at present in quest of an answer.
In response to reviews from , the problem is additional sophisticated by the truth that till subsequent season.
To make issues worse, the group may also be unable to play their Champions League fixtures on the Montjuic stadium past the primary section attributable to prior commitments made by the Metropolis Council.
What’s the story?
Because it stands, UEFA rules require Barcelona to play all of their remaining Champions League matches in the identical venue.
This creates two doable eventualities for the membership, relying on their efficiency within the group phases. If Barcelona play within the play-offs for a spot within the spherical of 16, they might want to finalize their stadium alternative earlier than the draw on January 31.
Nonetheless, if the group manages to safe a top-eight end, they are going to have extra time to determine, with a deadline to substantiate the venue set for February 21, simply earlier than the spherical of 16 ties start in early March.
What are the choices?
The problem lies within the uncertainty of whether or not the Camp Nou will probably be prepared in time. Probably the most viable various for Barcelona is the RCDE Stadium in Cornella, residence to their rivals Espanyol.
This 40,000-seater stadium meets all of UEFA’s necessities, however some inside the Barcelona hierarchy are hesitant to play in Espanyol’s residence floor as a result of rivalry between the golf equipment.
Different potential choices embody Mestalla in Valencia and the Metropolitano in Madrid. Mestalla, with a capability of 55,000, is nearer to Barcelona, however the Metropolitano, with a bigger capability of 70,000, provides higher amenities.
Dialogue with the council
The Barcelona administration is at present in discussions, carefully monitoring the progress of the Camp Nou renovations.
The membership’s determination will finally rely upon the group’s progress within the Champions League group stage and which stadium is offered to host their remaining fixtures.
It appears unlikely that the Metropolis Council will grant an extension for them to proceed taking part in at Montjuic past the primary section, leaving Barcelona with restricted choices for the place to play their European matches.
