ENTREVISTA JOAN LAPORTA (3) | Todo sobre la vuelta al Spotify Camp Nou: estado de obras, plazos...

In an exclusive interview with Mundo Deportivo, Joan Laporta addressed all the details surrounding FC Barcelona's long-awaited return to the Spotify Camp Nou, following the delay caused by the lack of a first occupancy permit. The Barça president was blunt: "We are not considering the option of not returning to the Camp Nou this season." He explained that both the pace of the construction work and the club's financial commitments make extending another season at Montjuïc unfeasible. "It wouldn't make sense either economically or institutionally," he stated. Laporta also admitted that they may have been hasty in announcing specific dates for the return, such as the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 10, but justified that decision based on the technical information available at the time. "If you don't set dates, you don't create tension," he argued, emphasizing that there was no intention to deceive members. Regarding the construction company Limak, which is in charge of Espai Barça, Laporta expressed understanding for the delays, acknowledging that many more incidents than expected have occurred: "Of the 300 expected in the first and second tier, almost 2,000 have occurred." Although there are accumulated contractual penalties, he is confident that they will not need to be applied if the new deadlines agreed upon in the three established sub-phases are met. He assures that contact with the company is constant, with high-level biweekly meetings, and that they share an "almost familial relationship." One of the key aspects is the economic impact of not returning to Les Corts: Barça needs to operate the VIP boxes starting in January 2026 to cover the commitments made to Goldman Sachs. "All the budgets are designed with a return this season in mind," explained Laporta, who believes that, with more than 62,000 seats, the new stadium will allow for a significant increase in revenue compared to what Montjuïc has generated, even though it has been "maximally optimized." Laporta also revealed that UEFA has requested that the first Champions League game be played away from home, given that the draw will be on August 28 and the final license may not yet have been granted. He asserted that he has a good relationship with Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, and is confident that the request will be accepted. The Blaugrana president also confirmed that the preliminary design for the new Palau Blaugrana will be presented in the second quarter of 2026. It must adapt to NBA requirements if the American league ultimately enters Europe, something Laporta considers plausible and that could change the architecture and operation of the future venue. Finally, he reaffirmed his desire for Leo Messi to be part of the opening ceremony of the new Spotify Camp Nou, as a tribute to the best player in the club's history. He assured that informal conversations have already taken place with the Messi family and that this reunion would be "very nice" for everyone. More information at http://www.mundodeportivo.com/ Follow us on Facebook   / mundodeportivo.com   Follow us on Twitter   / mundodeportivo   Follow us on Twitch   / mundodeportivo   This video was published in the context of the Mundo Deportivo newspaper