Barcelona secured UEFA approval for their Camp Nou return, hosting Champions League matches as construction nears completion

Barcelona have been given the green light for their Camp Nou return, with UEFA approving the La Liga giants to host Champions League matches at their partially rebuilt stadium, the club announced on Wednesday.

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The announcement follows a period of uncertainty, with the stadium’s reopening delayed by construction chaos and safety licence issues.

Barca will welcome Eintracht Frankfurt on December 9, just over two weeks after reinaugurating the stadium against Athletic Bilbao on November 22.

In a statement, Barcelona confirmed: “UEFA accepted the request, considering that all the necessary requirements have been met.”

The Camp Nou saga has been a rocky one. Early in the season, Barcelona had to play two home matches at their 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff training ground after failing to secure the necessary safety permits.

The team has also been using the 55,000-seat Olympic Stadium on Montjuic hill in the meantime.

The temporary reopening will allow 45,401 spectators, with the fully completed stadium expected to hold 105,000 fans.

A trial event earlier in November hosted 23,000 spectators at a training session to test safety protocols.

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The delays have been costly, hitting the club’s finances hard. Barcelona is estimated to be spending €1.5 billion ($1.74 billion) on the extensive rebuild, a crucial investment as the financially troubled club seeks stability.