Overview

• Barcelona City Council refused the first-occupancy licence for the revamped stadium on September 23 after fire authorities flagged evacuation-route and safety deficiencies.
• FC Barcelona confirmed Sunday’s LaLiga match against Real Sociedad will be played at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where the October 1 Champions League game versus Paris Saint-Germain is also scheduled.
• The club says it has submitted the required certificates for Phase 1A and is working on new amendments requested by the council to obtain approval.
• City officials pointed to issues including inadequate signage, missing or incomplete handrails, unfinished stairs, and vehicle access constraints, stressing that supporter safety is the priority.
• The phased return envisioned a 27,000-seat opening; the €1.5 billion overhaul remains behind schedule, with the roof now planned for summer 2027 after early-season home dates were shifted to the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff under a temporary waiver.