La Liga have reportedly given Barcelona the green light to host Valencia at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, according to 'EFE'. The Spotify Camp Nou is not authorised to host matches, while the Olympic Lluis Companys Stadium is unavailable due to a concert on the same day.
La Liga has agreed that the Johan Cruyff Stadium, located near the Joan Gamper training complex and with a capacity of 6,000, can be used as an alternative to the Spotify Camp Nou for the Barcelona-Valencia match on September 14th, corresponding to the fourth matchday of the season.
Sources familiar with the process confirmed to 'EFE' this Friday that the 'Azulgrana' will need to make certain adjustments to the stadium, such as installing VAR cameras and a suitable fibre connection for its proper functioning.
La Liga representatives already inspected the Johan Cruyff Stadium on August 27th. If the Sant Joan Despi ground is ultimately chosen to host the match, they will reassess the facilities once the required adjustments have been completed to ensure it meets all the requirements.
Although the ground does not meet the minimum capacity of 8,000 spectators required by the competition, La Liga will make an exception, considering it a force majeure.
Furthermore, the women's team will also play at home at the Johan Cruyff Stadium on the same matchday, but they will do so on Friday at 12:00 CET, more than 48 hours before Valencia's potential visit in La Liga EA Sports (men's first division).
Nevertheless, Barcelona are still working to host the match against 'Los Che' at the Spotify Camp Nou, but they have not yet received the necessary permits to open the ground.
While awaiting authorisation to return to their home ground with a provisional capacity of 27,000 spectators, the club has reached an agreement with the Barcelona City Council to use the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium until February if the Les Corts stadium is not operational.
However, the Montjuic ground will not be available for Barcelona's home debut in La Liga, as singer Post Malone is performing on September 12th, and the pitch would not be in suitable condition for the match against Valencia.