Girona have announced that they will be able to play their home matches in next year’s UEFA Champions League at the Montilivi stadium. There were concerns that the Montilivi would not meet UEFA’s stadium requirements, but the club have now received authorization from European football’s main governing body.
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Montilivi acollirà els partits de Champions
L’organisme europeu ha validat les reformes proposades pel Club que faran que l’estadi reuneixi els requisits sol·licitats.
— Girona FC (@GironaFC) May 10, 2024
Montilivi stadium compliance issues explained
UEFA demand certain stadium requirements for stadiums in all three of their European competitions. This includes the use of extra stands to increase the capacity of a stadium. Since 2017, Girona have added temporary stands on all four sides of the ground. This has increased the capacity from just over 9,000 to 14,000. Even with these extensions, Girona is the smallest venue in La Liga, and it will also be the smallest in the Champions League.
Other improvements to the ground that are required under UEFA rules include additional parking, VIP zones, and expanded press facilities. Due to the amount of investment needed to fulfil these regulations, it was discussed that Girona could play at Estadi Olímpic de Montjuï, which is the stadium that Barcelona are currently playing at while the renovation works at the Camp Nou are completed.
‘We have special confidence in Montilivi’ – Michel emphasises importance of home stadium
The players, staff and fans of Girona have always made it clear that they want their fans to experience Champions League nights at the Montilivi stadium. In response to the talk of potentially switching grounds for Europe’s biggest competition next season, manager Michel said: “I have already said it, 100% I want to play in Montilivi. I am convinced that the club does too, I think we will play in our stadium.
“The fans are all clear about it. The first game in the club's history, which will be in the Champions League.
“It will be in Montilivi, I don't contemplate anything else since playing away is weakening the sporting aspect. This year we have only lost against Madrid at home and we have special confidence in Montilivi.”
The fears that the Montilivi might not be suitable to host Champions League matches have been eased. In a statement on Friday, May 10, Girona said: “Girona FC has received authorization from UEFA for Montilivi stadium to host Champions League matches next season 2024-2025.
“UEFA has confirmed the Montilivi stadium will be compliant following the implementation of the changes proposed by the Club, which will involve a significant financial investment, and will allow the stadium to have the necessary requirements for the top European competition.