Barcelona have less than two weeks to make a crucial call on whether they will return to the Camp Nou this season in time for their Champions League campaign.
As such, according to MARCA, UEFA requires the club to confirm by 28 August which stadium will host all their group stage matches.
The draw for the competition takes place on that same day, and regulations state that all home fixtures in the first round must be played at the same venue.
President Joan Laporta has insisted the board is working closely with the City Council to meet the target, yet there are no absolute guarantees.
Missing the August 28 deadline would force Barcelona to choose an alternative stadium, something the club has always wanted to avoid.
Barcelona are racing against time. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
If the permits are not secured in time, Barcelona would face the prospect of starting the Champions League away from their historic home, with no option to switch venues mid-group stage.
For a club that has spent over a year playing away from the Camp Nou, this deadline has become one of the most significant dates of the season before a ball has even been kicked.
Even if the green light comes before 28 August, Barcelona will not be able to reopen the stadium at full capacity.
The original 60,000-seat plan has been delayed, with the club opting for a phased return: 30,000 seats in the first stage, 45,000 for Champions League matches, and eventually 60,000 once all work is completed.
The next few days will be decisive. If the club meets the August 28 requirement, the Champions League nights can return to Camp Nou this autumn.
If not, Barcelona may face an unwanted and disruptive start to their European campaign.
