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Barcelona announced on Wednesday that their anticipated return to the Camp Nou will be postponed until at least mid-February. The iconic stadium is undergoing significant modernization and expansion work, prompting the Spanish giants to relocate their upcoming La Liga matches against Valencia and Alaves. Initially scheduled for January 26 and February 2, these fixtures will now take place at the Montjuic Olympic stadium. In a statement, Barcelona explained that UEFA regulations prohibit clubs from switching stadiums during the Champions League's initial stages. Additionally, the club highlighted the logistical challenges and additional expenses associated with simultaneously operating two venues. Despite this delay, fans eagerly await the completion of the Camp Nou renovations, which promise to enhance the historic stadium's facilities and experience for players and supporters alike.

The Camp Nou could instead host the Catalan club's following home league clash against Rayo Vallecano on February 16.

Barcelona said last month they were aiming to return to the Camp Nou by the end of 2024 with an initial capacity of 62,000.

The stadium should be completed in the summer of 2026 with a capacity of 105,000, when the project dubbed "Espai Barca" will be finished and the stadium roof installed.

Work on the Camp Nou began in June 2023 but was slowed over permit complications and complaints over working conditions.

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As a result Barca requested to extend their contract for the use of the Montjuic Olympic stadium "until March 31, 2025, as a precaution".

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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