Barcelona’s preparations for their decisive Copa del Rey semi-final have been disrupted by uncertainty away from the pitch.
Doubts remain over whether Spotify Camp Nou will be allowed to increase its capacity in time for a crucial showdown with Atletico Madrid.
What is the latest news on Barcelona increasing the new Camp Nou capacity?
According to a fresh report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are still waiting for approval to reopen the North Stand at Spotify Camp Nou.
The club requires the Phase 1C permit from Barcelona City Council, which would increase the stadium’s capacity to around 62,000 spectators.
At present, the ground is operating at a significantly reduced capacity, with the Gol Nord remaining closed. Without the permit being granted, it will stay shut for the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on March 3rd.
In an attempt to accelerate the process, Dekra – the body authorised to inspect stadium safety, access points and emergency systems – carried out another visit this week. However, confidence inside the club appears low.
Reports suggest the LaLiga leaders are pessimistic about receiving the green light in time for the Atletico clash, with minor access-related details still under review rather than any major structural issues.
FGG says: Camp Nou delays will frustrate Barcelona
Keeping the North Stand closed is a real blow for a fixture of this magnitude, even more so considering it was supposed to open in time for the Levante league match at the weekend.
Against Atletico, Barcelona will need every possible edge, and a half-empty Camp Nou inevitably dulls the intensity and atmosphere.
Club officials are exploring temporary solutions to help matters, especially with Barcelona needing to overturn a 4-0 first-leg deficit, but nothing compares to having the Gol Nord open to supporters.
For a club built on iconic nights like this, the ongoing delays risk stripping the venue of the sort of atmosphere that so often makes the difference in decisive knockout ties.