Guerra abierta entre el FC Barcelona y el Ayuntamiento por las obras del Camp Nou | Noticias de Cataluña | EL PAÍS

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Dispute Over Camp Nou Reopening

FC Barcelona and Barcelona City Council are in a public disagreement over the reopening of the Camp Nou stadium after renovations. The council claims safety deficiencies prevent the issuance of an occupancy permit, citing issues like inadequate evacuation routes and access for emergency vehicles. Barcelona says these are minor issues and that the stadium is safe.

Barcelona's Claims

The club insists the stadium meets safety standards and blames the council for the delay. They highlight that they've met all requirements and express surprise at the council's decision. Elena Fort, FC Barcelona's vice-president, stated the stadium is the safest in Spain and emphasized the club's commitment to resolving any remaining issues.

Council's Response

The City Council, however, maintains its position, emphasizing that safety is paramount and the stadium won't open until all regulations are met. They presented technical evidence, including reports from fire services highlighting specific safety concerns. The council points to the complexity of the renovation project as a factor contributing to the delays.

Financial Implications

The dispute also has significant financial implications. FC Barcelona pays the city council a substantial fee for using the Montjuïc stadium as a temporary venue, ranging from €300,000 to €900,000 per match, in addition to the €20 million already invested in the Camp Nou refurbishment. The situation remains tense, with the future of Camp Nou's reopening uncertain.