Barcelona Begins Countdown to Return to Spotify Camp Nou

FC Barcelona is awaiting a decision from the Barcelona City Council regarding the category 1b occupancy license, which allows the Spotify Camp Nou stadium to open for 45,000 spectators. This paves the way for the team's return to their new stadium for the match against Athletic Bilbao scheduled for November 22, according to the Spanish newspaper "Marca."

The club currently holds a Category 1a license, which allows for the entry of only 23,000 fans. Barcelona officials express their optimism about obtaining the license, while also exercising caution due to previous delays in returning to the stadium.

The board of directors, led by Joan Laporta, has decided that the move to the new stadium will only take place once full capacity is reached. If the licensing is approved this week, the team will play its first official match at the new stadium against Athletic Bilbao. Recently, the team held its training sessions at the new stadium, with players and fans expressing admiration for the large turnout and the modern facilities.

Barcelona spent two and a half years at the Montjuïc Stadium, and the club hopes that this time the return will be permanent. They also expect UEFA to approve an exception that would allow the remaining group stage matches of the Champions League to be held at their new stadium, even though the regulations state that all matches must take place at the same venue.