Rafa Yuste, acting president of Barcelona, has confirmed that the City Council has allowed Barcelona to open additional sections of the Camp Nou ahead of the visit of Newcastle United.
The 1C license will allow the stadium’s capacity to increase to 62,000+.
Rafa Yuste is the acting president of FC Barcelona since the resignation of Joan Laporta in order to run in the club’s presidential elections on March 15 and he was speaking to the media today (10 March 2026) outside Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle City Centre.
The venue hosted the official lunch between Barcelona directors and those of Newcastle United, ahead of the Champions League match tonight at St James’ Park.
The very first game when the new Camp Nou increased capacity will be in operation, is on Sunday, when Barcelona face Sevilla in a La Liga match.
Rafa Yuste saying today: “This is great news, as it will allow 60,000 members to be present on Sunday supporting the team and it will also help voter turnout on election day”, as the Barcelona fans are set to vote on who should be club President moving forward.
Official Barcelona social media also confirmed the increased stadium capacity today: ‘FC Barcelona has received the first occupancy license granted by the Barcelona City Council corresponding to Phase 1C of the Spotify Camp Nou, which includes the opening of the North Goal.’
The acting Barcelona President also asked about tonight’s match against Newcastle United: “We are approaching the match with the necessary caution that a Champions League game needs. Hansi Flick is enjoying his daily work and this approach to the routine is transmitted to the team and the staff, balancing caution and optimism, which allows everyone to have the necessary elements to face the tie with confidence. My mission as [acting] President is to bring calm to the institution I represent. This calm must reach all members of the club, including Hansi and the entire group, so that it translates into a good result and into success in the upcoming matches.”