Barcelona Are Now Renting Out The Nou Camp Pitch To Fans And You Get Treated Like A Pro
"Are we that desperate for money nowadays?"
Barcelona have offered fans the chance to play at the Nou Camp for a fee as the Catalan club looks to get its dire financial situation under control.
Despite allowing Lionel Messi to leave the club last summer and convincing a number of senior players to take pay cuts, Barcelona continue to struggle financially.
Reports in Spain claim Barcelona are yet to announce the signings of Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie on free transfers as the club is not able to register the two players without exceeding its salary cap limit.
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Meanwhile, another report from Spain claims the club could be on the verge of an 'economic collapse'.
Speaking on Que T'hi Jugues, Spanish journalist Sique Rodriguez claimed Barcelona need to generate an income of above €500m (£425m) before June 30 if they are to meet their projected €765m (£650m) budget needed to balance the books.
Perhaps as a result of those financial troubles, Barcelona have announced a new method of generating revenue by offering fans the chance to play on the hallowed Nou Camp turf.
Running between June 6-11, fans can pay €300 each for a 60-minute run out on the pitch.
Fans will enter the field of play from the same tunnel as their Barcelona heroes and are guaranteed at least 40 minutes of playing time, according to the club's website.
The supporters will then be allowed to shower and change in the Nou Camp locker rooms after the match.
A statement on the club's website read: "Have you ever dreamed of playing at the Camp Nou?
"This summer, fulfil your dream and sign up to be part of the matches organised by FC Barcelona on the pitch of the stadium."
The announcement has been mocked by Barcelona fans and supporters of rival clubs.
"Are we that desperate for money nowadays?," wrote one fan on Twitter.
"So, we're renting our beautiful stadium out to everyone. Nice," wrote another.
A third added: "They're so broke they have to let people play on the pitch."
Despite that criticism, it is a unique opportunity for Barcelona supporters to play on one of the most famous pitches in world football.
But at €300 a pop, it remains to be seen how many fans will take up the offer.
Rory O'Callaghan