Barcelona is one step closer to hosting the Champions League final for the first time in 27 years. The city has secured government approval to bid for the 2028-29 final at Spotify Camp Nou.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had previously approved Barcelona’s plans. Now, with the Spanish Government’s endorsement, the club can submit its official bid to UEFA by the June 10th deadline.
If Barcelona’s bid is successful, it would mean two of the next three Champions League finals would be held in Spain, as Atletico Madrid’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano is already set to host the 2026-27 final. Hosting the final would be a major financial boost for Barcelona, aiding in their efforts to resolve financial difficulties.
By the proposed 2028-29 final, the ambitious Espai Barca renovation project at Camp Nou is expected to be completed. The third tier will be finished within the next year, followed by the installation of the stadium’s roof, which is anticipated to be finished by the summer of 2028, ensuring no stadium-related obstacles for their bid.
UEFA is expected to announce its decision on the host city in September. While Barcelona faces competition, with Wembley Stadium in London also reportedly bidding, they have a strong chance of securing the rights.
Barcelona Moving Closer to Hosting Champions League Final
It has been nearly three decades since Barcelona last served as the venue for the Champions League final. This occurred in 1999 when Manchester United defeated Bayern Munich at the stadium now known as Spotify Camp Nou. However, this long interval may soon conclude.
In recent weeks, Barcelona’s leadership has been actively developing a proposal to host the 2028-29 Champions League final. Their aspirations have already gained the endorsement of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). This week marked another significant stride toward making this ambition a reality, as the Spanish government has given its approval.
According to reports, the Spanish government has granted Barcelona the necessary clearance, removing all prerequisite steps before the club formally submits its bid to UEFA. The club intends to submit this bid before the stipulated deadline of June 10th.
Potential for Two Spanish Finals in Three Years
UEFA confirmed in September that the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, home to Atletico Madrid, will host the 2026-27 Champions League final. Should Spotify Camp Nou’s bid also be successful, it would mean that two of the three subsequent finals would be held in Spain. For Barcelona, securing the rights to host would be immensely significant, representing a crucial step in addressing their financial challenges due to the substantial revenue generated by hosting such a prestigious event.
By the time the 2028-29 Champions League final approaches, the extensive Espai Barca project is expected to be fully realized. The third tier of the stadium is scheduled for completion within the next twelve months, after which the construction of the stadium’s roof will commence. This roof installation is projected to be finalized by the summer of 2028 at the latest, thus eliminating any potential complications for Barcelona’s bid from a stadium infrastructure perspective.
Once all submitted bids have been evaluated, UEFA will deliberate before reaching a decision, which is anticipated to be announced in September. Barcelona is considered to have an excellent prospect of securing the hosting rights for the final. However, it is also reported that Wembley Stadium in London will be entering the race as a competing bidder.
