Barcelona UEFA Champions League request seeks to play first game away as Camp Nou return is delayed. Laporta confirms stadium license issues persist

Barcelona UEFA Champions League request has been officially confirmed by club president Joan Laporta, as the Catalan giants continue to face delays in returning to Camp Nou.

Also read: Camp Nou reopens as Barcelona host August 10 match

Speaking on Friday, Laporta revealed that Barcelona has formally asked UEFA to allow their first Champions League group stage match to be played away from home.

This comes as the club struggles with ongoing licensing and construction hurdles at their iconic stadium.

Under UEFA regulations, a club cannot alternate between two home venues during the Champions League league phase.

This means that unless Barcelona’s home ground is ready, they risk losing the chance to play all four league-phase games at the Camp Nou.

“We’ve asked UEFA to allow us to play the first game away from home. The draw is on August 28, and we’ll see then,” Laporta told Mundo Deportivo. “I hope UEFA allows it.”

Barcelona had aimed for a Camp Nou return by late 2024 and had planned to host the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 10.

Although they received approvals for activity and construction licences, the lack of a First Occupancy Licence from the City Council forced them to relocate the friendly match against Como to Estadi Johan Cruyff.

The Barcelona UEFA Champions League request highlights the logistical and regulatory complexities of elite football infrastructure, especially during major renovations.