After lengthy negotiations with twenty different investors, Barcelona has reached an agreement on a loan of 1.45 billion euros. The money is intended for Espai Barça, a construction project that will include major renovations to the Camp Nou.
Distressed Barcelona borrows 1.45 billion euros and can renovate Camp Nou
The plans for renovating and especially modernizing the stadium have been on the table for some time, but Barcelona had to do its best to get the money together for this. During a referendum in December, they were given the green light to attempt for a loan of up to one and a half billion euros. More than four months later, Barcelona can communicate an agreement on this.
In total, Barcelona, which has been struggling with financial problems for some time, borrows 1.45 billion euros from twenty different investors. Work on the Camp Nou will begin on June 1, with the aim of completing the project in the summer of 2026. Barcelona will only start paying back after this. The club thinks it can do this with the income that will come from the renovated stadium; the new Camp Nou Barcelona is expected to generate 247 million euros per year.
Reputed Mateu Lahoz asked to hand up his whistle
Staying in Spain, Antonio Mateu Lahoz is in his last months as a referee. The much-discussed arbitrator has been told to end his career.
According to various Spain media, referee boss Medina Cantalejo has told the referee in an interview. With Mateu Lahoz (46) that after the current season it will be over. Carlos Del Cerro Grande (47) also received that message.
Their age is seen as the reason for the upcoming farewell. Although the Spanish arbitrators’ corps also wishes for a breath of fresh air. Both Mateu Lahoz and Del Cerro Grande can continue as VAR.
Mateu Lahoz has refereed more than 280 matches at the highest level in Spain in 2008. He is regarded as one of the most prominent referees, who has also made his mark as an international leader. Mateu Lahoz refereed at three World Cups. His final performance on that stage sparked controversy. After the World Cup quarter-final in Qatar between the Netherlands and Argentina, his whistling was a source of discussion.
