Camp Nou saga takes yet another twist as Barcelona denied La Liga return on one condition

The Camp Nou saga continues, with Barcelona’s hopes of returning home suffering yet another setback in the latest twist.

Facing yet another delay, the Blaugrana will now be forced to play their third home game of the 2025/26 season away from their iconic stadium.

While a 6-0 win over Valencia and a 3-0 victory against Getafe in Barcelona’s first two La Liga home games at the 6,000-capacity Estadi Johan Cruyff demonstrated that they can win anywhere with sufficient home support, further delays in their return to Camp Nou mean the club will continue to fall short of their financial projections. The club’s debt situation remains another major concern.

In the latest setback, Barcelona have been informed that they cannot host Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on 28 September 2025. Although the club expressed a desire to stage the match with a reduced capacity of 27,000, the city council has rejected the permit request.

Safety and security issues to blame for permit denial

According to Barca Universal, problems with evacuation routes and incomplete barriers have compounded the Camp Nou saga, leaving the return date unclear.

Laia Bonet, the City Council's deputy mayor, says that the safety of everyone wishing to go to Camp Nou is a priority and must be guaranteed. Under the prevailing circumstances, the Barcelona City Council argues that the club must address these safety issues before a return permit can be issued.

She said, “We share Barca's desire for a successful and swift return. But this City Council must guarantee the safety of fans. This is our priority. We must ensure that the technicians can work rigorously.”

The latest twist in the Camp Nou saga means that Barcelona's home fixture against Real Sociedad will be played at the 54,000-capacity Olympic Stadium, a venue they have used for the past two seasons

Amid these challenges, Barcelona have thanked supporters for their understanding and support, saying they are working to meet the requirements set out by the council.

👀 The scoreboard at the Spotify Camp Nou has Sunday's fixture against Real Sociedad on it. pic.twitter.com/MlR0GMIiqB

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) September 23, 2025

FGG Says: Barcelona should focus on stadium safety before glory

Barcelona's grand plan for a Camp Nou return is being impeded not by politics but by their rigid insistence on safety standards. The council's refusal to grant an occupancy license on grounds of safety and security concerns should be taken seriously. While the latest twist is a setback for Barca's image and operations, the council is justified, as partial compliance with safety standards is inherently risky.