Joan Laporta, president of FC Barcelona, revealed during his participation in the Foros La Vanguardia forum the expected date for Spotify Camp Nou stadium capacity to reach 62,000 spectators, in addition to the latest developments regarding the Dani Mateo stand.

Laporta said: "We indicated that the end of December and the beginning of January will be the period when Spotify Camp Nou can accommodate 62,000 fans."

He continued: "We plan to increase the number of subscribers; currently, the ratio is 60% members and 40% tickets. When we reach 62,000, we want it to be 70-30. I have made mistakes several times when setting dates, but the work is progressing well, and our relationship with the municipality is excellent. If no obstacles arise, by the end of December or early January, we will have the 1C of the Gol Nord and Dani Mateo stands ready according to the required safety standards. We are the first to want the Dani Mateo stand."

The Barcelona president confirmed his decision regarding the team's match against Eintracht, saying: "We decided to sell tickets to members only to avoid an invasion of Eintracht fans as happened in 2022. We have had a very bad experience with them; they know all the ways to enter and have previously sneaked in. It was a terrible sight when we saw the stands full of Eintracht shirts. Now, during the transfer window period, we are reinforcing measures. We analyzed the problem from the Alavés match, and with the QR system, there will be no problem. We want to prevent reselling and protect the stadium from being filled with Germans."

Laporta spoke about the club legend Lionel Messi, saying: "I am not thinking about his return as a player because he is tied to a contract with another club, but we want him to receive the most beautiful tribute in Barcelona’s history. We thought about a statue for him next to Kubala, Cruyff, and Ronaldinho. He created an era and is the best player in the history of football and Barça."

He added: "I don’t want to get into speculation about his return as a player. Messi is always in the club’s memory, and the tribute should be at an appropriate moment, and perhaps it would be wonderful in a Camp Nou filled with 105,000 fans."

Laporta touched on the relationship with Real Madrid, saying: "Real Madrid represents authority and Barça represents freedom. I don’t know if deals are made in the Bernabéu box, but there is clear authority. Our relationship with Florentino Pérez is good but official."

He added: "At Barcelona, we will not become a public limited company. For four years, they have said we will transform, but that will not happen. We belong to the members, and that is what distinguishes us."

He continued: "Even the investors brought by Goldman Sachs liked that we are not a public company. The club’s core identity must not be changed."

Laporta confirmed: "Everything is signed to renew Eric García’s contract until 2031. We will announce it on Thursday. Deco is working, and opportunities may appear in the market. Xavi benefits greatly from the players. Gerard Martí as a left center-back, and Eric is a versatile player. We will study everything carefully."

Laporta said: "If we need a specific player, we can invest, but we will not engage in financial chaos. The team has a strong backbone. Deco is working on possible reinforcements in winter or summer."

He added: "Regarding Lewandowski, we will see how his season goes. He is loved in the dressing room and guides the young players. We may need a replacement, and Deco is studying this for the summer."

He continued: "We are capable of any investment, but having too many stars does not always succeed. Everyone knows the example we are thinking of."

He also supported Araujo, saying: "We have to support him; he is a very sensitive person and sent me a kind message. We need him because he is unique in the team. He was sent off impulsively and was given an undeserved first card by the referee, and he is affected by that. Xavi and Deco are working on the matter."

Laporta said: "I found the Super League project and led the work because of the big gap with the clubs and the state, but its continuation and lack of clarity do not serve us. We want peace and sustainability in football."

He added: "Our relationship with UEFA has improved. We were close to an agreement with the Unify platform, but Real Madrid moved behind the scenes. It is better that we are all on the same path."

He concluded: "Deco is working to study market opportunities. Araujo’s injury and Iñigo Martínez’s departure may open the door to signing a center-back, but Xavi benefits well from the available players."