Barcelona have halted renovation work at the Spotify Camp Nou and entered a period of mourning after a construction worker died in a workplace accident at the stadium project.
The club confirmed on Saturday that all building activity at their historic home has been stopped for the day following the death of a 54-year-old man on Friday at the construction site in the Les Corts district.
The usually constant noise of heavy machinery and movement of more than 1,000 workers around the ground has given way to silence, with Barcelona saying the suspension is a mark of respect for the victim and his family.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the incident occurred around midday on Friday when the worker sustained a fatal blow while carrying out his duties on the stadium redevelopment.
It is the first deadly workplace accident to be recorded since the major reconstruction of the Camp Nou began in June 2023.
Club statement and president’s response
In an official statement released on their channels, Barcelona said: “Barcelona is deeply saddened by the death of the worker who lost his life yesterday in a workplace accident during the renovation works at Spotify Camp Nou.”
The club added: “We would like to express our deepest condolences and convey all our support and affection to the worker’s family, friends and colleagues. The president, Joan Laporta, will personally convey his condolences to the family and place himself at their disposal on behalf of the entire institution.”
Laporta has decided to contact the bereaved family directly to offer his sympathies and to underline the club’s support in the wake of the tragedy.
Police and legal procedures
As required under local regulations, the Mossos d’Esquadra, the police force of Catalonia, have formally reported the incident to the investigating court.
The court will now oversee the legal process relating to the workplace accident, with the authorities having already issued an official communication outlining the basic circumstances of the case.
Camp Nou redevelopment continues long term
The extensive renovation of the Spotify Camp Nou, part of a wider Espai Barca project, is currently focused on the construction of a “pressure ring”, a structural element designed to support the new stadium roof.
Barcelona hope to move beyond the current phase of works and complete the overall redevelopment on schedule, with the club aiming to deliver the fully finished stadium by the end of 2027.
The club have not announced any long-term changes to the construction timetable following the accident, beyond Saturday’s suspension of activity as a gesture of mourning.
