AS: Barcelona has received permission to open 27,000 seats at Camp Nou but will not return immediately

"AS" reported that Barcelona has made key progress in returning to the Nou Camp. The Barcelona City Council has officially issued the club a preliminary occupation permit for "Phase 1A" of the stadium renovation project, which allows the stadium to open with 27,000 seats.

However, despite the permission, Barcelona will not return immediately. The club has made it clear that for economic reasons, they will continue to use the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic as their temporary home until a license for the next phase (Phase 1B) is obtained.

It is reported that "Phase 1B" will increase the stadium's capacity to 47,000 people, and will open the side stands necessary for hosting Champions League games. UEFA has agreed to make an exception for this, allowing Barcelona to change home stadiums midway through the Champions League group stages.

Elena Ford, vice president of the club, revealed that the relevant projects have been completed and are only awaiting final official verification and permission. She did not give an exact return date, but hinted that it could be at the end of November this year, with a game against Athletic Bilbao or Getafe as potential return games. The game against Getafe will also coincide with the club's 126th anniversary.