In his final interview with club media before stepping down ahead of the forthcoming elections, Joan Laporta outlined progress on the Spotify Camp Nou redevelopment and explained the timeline for completing outstanding works.
Barça returned to Camp Nou in November 2025 after more than two years away, but the stadium reopened only in part. Since then capacity has been lifted to over 45,000 spectators, and the club aims to raise that figure to around 62,000 this month once it secures the City Council licence corresponding to Phase 1C of the project.
Laporta admitted frustration at the delay in obtaining the 1C licence, noting that the Gol Nord section has been physically complete for some time but access routes still need improvement. He stressed the section is essentially finished but administrative permission is lagging.
He explained that the work was meant to be ready in the first week of January, yet by February the permits for the North Stand and the Supporters’ Stand (1957 Stand) had not arrived. While disappointed, he indicated confidence those approvals will come through soon.
Laporta confirmed full cooperation from the City Council and the mayor, stressing this partnership is crucial for hitting milestones not only on the stadium itself but also across the surrounding area, particularly given Barcelona’s ambitions to host the 2029 UEFA Champions League final at Spotify Camp Nou.
He warned that hosting major international finals — Champions League or World Cup events — requires completing the stadium and adjacent infrastructure, otherwise obtaining the necessary permits will be difficult.
In the short term the club is pushing to have VIP boxes and the third tier certified, arguing these elements are sufficiently ready to justify issuing the 1C licence. Club representatives say external assessments conclude the North Stand and 1957 Stand are essentially finished and the licence should be granted.
On deadlines for final completion, Laporta maintained 2027 as the target year: he expects all major construction to be finished by the end of 2026, with the roof installation taking place in 2027. Installing the roof will require around four months of stadium inactivity, and he believes the entire project can be wrapped up by the end of 2027.
Asked whether the team would relocate back to Montjuïc during that phase, Laporta said there are no plans to return because the work can be coordinated with La Liga and Champions League schedules if the team qualifies, allowing matches and construction to be arranged in tandem.
He underlined the financial importance of a fully operational Spotify Camp Nou, describing the stadium as the club’s main avenue for revenue growth through improved ticketing, hospitality, commercial spaces, sponsor activations, more global events and tailored fan experiences.
According to Laporta, those additional revenues will help pay down debt, fund sporting investments to remain competitive and consolidate the club’s economic recovery.
Published 09/02/2026. Author: Michel Duran.
