A devastating incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing renovation of Camp Nou, as FC Barcelona confirmed the death of a worker in a workplace accident at the iconic stadium.
The club released a statement on Saturday, expressing profound sorrow over the loss. The worker, whose name has not been disclosed, died during the construction work that is part of the ambitious redevelopment of the historic venue.
"FC Barcelona deeply regrets the death of the worker who lost his life yesterday in the workplace accident that occurred during the renovation works at Spotify Camp Nou," the statement read. "The club wishes to express its deepest condolences and extend its heartfelt support to his family, friends, and colleagues."
Club president Joan Laporta also reached out personally to the family, according to the statement, placing himself and the entire organization at their disposal during this difficult time.
Camp Nou has been the home of FC Barcelona since 1957, replacing the smaller Les Corts stadium. It quickly became one of the world's most famous soccer venues, originally holding over 90,000 fans. Over the decades, it has hosted legendary players like Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, and Lionel Messi, as well as major events including the 1982 FIFA World Cup and the 1992 Summer Olympics.
The current renovation, part of the club's "Espai Barça" project, aims to modernize the stadium with a new roof, expanded hospitality areas, improved accessibility, and upgraded technology. Upon completion, capacity is expected to increase to approximately 105,000, making it one of the largest and most advanced soccer stadiums in the world.
However, the project has faced delays and rising costs over its three-year timeline. During construction, Barcelona has been playing home matches at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
The tragedy adds a somber note to the club's efforts to transform its historic home. The focus now is on supporting the worker's family and investigating the circumstances of the accident.
For context, stadium renovations are not without risks, as seen in other recent stadium development projects across sports. The safety of workers remains a paramount concern.
