UEFA Rejects Barcelonas Request for Away Start in Champions League

UEFA has turned down Barcelona’s appeal to begin their 2025 Champions League campaign with an away game due to ongoing Camp Nou renovations. The governing body stated no exceptions are made in draws. Barcelona now await the August 28 group stage draw, with uncertainty over hosting matches as parts of Camp Nou remain unfinished and may force closed-door fixtures.

When the Champions League group stage kicks off next month, Barcelona’s preparations have been hit with a setback after UEFA turned down their request to open the campaign with an away fixture. The Catalan club had written to the governing body in mid-July, citing ongoing renovation works at Camp Nou as the reason for their appeal. However, UEFA confirmed that it does not accommodate such demands, stating that the competition draw remains entirely random and exceptions are not made.

As a result, Barcelona must wait until the group stage draw on August 28 to see where they will begin their European journey. If drawn away, Hansi Flick’s side will start between September 16 and 18, with their first home match slated for September 30 or October 1. But should the draw place them at home in the opening round, the Blaugrana may be forced to host Europe’s elite in a stadium still under construction.

The uncertainty extends to La Liga as well. Renovation work has left two stands short of meeting safety standards, raising the possibility of Barcelona’s opening league fixture being played behind closed doors. The club is pressing to reopen under “phase one” of works, but approval remains doubtful before the season begins.