Barcelona will have to delay their return to the iconic Nou Camp stadium due to a little-known UEFA regulation.

The Spanish giants have been playing at the Estadio Olimpico for the past 18 months while a £1.25 billion renovation project is carried out on their home ground.

The project aims to increase the stadium’s capacity from 99,000 to 104,000 and add a roof, luxury bars, and new escalators.

Barcelona had hoped to move back to the Nou Camp before the end of 2024. However, UEFA rules prohibit clubs from changing stadiums during the initial phase of the Champions League.

This means Barcelona would have had to split home games between the Nou Camp and Estadio Olimpico, which was deemed logistically difficult and costly.

As a result, Barcelona have now confirmed they will not return to the Nou Camp until at least mid-February 2025. This delay will impact several La Liga matches, including games against Valencia, Alaves, and Atalanta in the Champions League, which will now take place at the Estadio Olimpico.

Barcelona have promised to discount the price of season ticket passes to account for the matches moved from the Nou Camp.

The club currently sits top of the La Liga table and is well-positioned to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.

The Nou Camp renovations are expected to generate an additional £25 million in annual revenue for Barcelona once completed.