UEFA have turned down an 'unprecedented' request from Barcelona ahead of this season's Champions League campaign, according to reports in Spain.
It has been a long time coming for Barcelona and their supporters but after more than two years of waiting, the Catalan giants are close to making a much-anticipated return to the new-look, 105,000-capacity Spotify Camp Nou following its £1.25 billion renovation.
Barca announced in June that it would make its long-awaited return on August 10 for the Joan Gamper Trophy, their annual pre-season event.
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However, the club confirmed in a recent statement that it has not been able to comply with the requirements laid out by the regulations governing the licence, although reports in Spain suggest a return date of September 14 for their La Liga clash against Valencia is being targeted.
If that date is accurate, then Barca may have an issue ahead of this month's Champions League draw, which takes place on August 28.
Barcelona have until next Thursday to inform UEFA of where they will be playing their home games in the league phase of the Champions League.
It is said the club have already made a request to UEFA to play their first game in the league phase away from home, which will give them more time to prepare the revamped Camp Nou for their opener.
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But a report from Catalunya Radio suggests the governing body have turned down the request as they are unwilling to give special dispensation on the matter.
Barcelona's statement on Camp Nou delay
After much anticipation, Barca suspended the first game back at the Camp Nou on August 10.
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"This decision is due to the fact that the necessary work to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance Regulating Municipal Intervention Procedures in Construction Works has made it impossible to complete the procedures required for the granting of the initial licence," they said.
"Specifically, due to the scale of the work carried out, it has not been possible to meet all the conditions laid out by the regulations governing this licence, despite the club’s intention to reopen the redeveloped stadium sector by sector.
"The club is liaising closely with Barcelona City Council and the relevant authorities to make progress on the different requirements and will inform its members and fans of any new developments regarding the return date. This delay does not affect the planned schedule for the repayment of the Espai Barça debt."
Jack Kenmare