Barcelona week brings tighter stadium controls after Spain’s risk ruling

Spanish authorities have designated Barcelona’s next two matches against Valencia and Feyenoord as “high-risk” fixtures, requiring additional security measures at both games.

Barcelona will visit Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday in La Liga before beginning their UEFA Champions League campaign against Dutch club Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou next Wednesday.

The decision was announced by the Spanish government on Wednesday. According to a statement published by Marca, the Government Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport approved the classification for both matches.

The high-risk status places extra responsibilities on the clubs and the authorities involved in staging the fixtures. Security will be strengthened around the two stadiums, while several specific measures will also be introduced on matchdays.

Among those measures is a ban on direct ticket sales on the day of the match. A designated secure area will also be provided for supporters of the visiting team, while checks and monitoring at stadium entrances will be tightened.

The arrangements will apply first to Barcelona’s trip to Mestalla, where Valencia will host the Catalan club on Sunday. Barcelona will then return to Spotify Camp Nou for their opening Champions League fixture against Feyenoord the following Wednesday.

The classification of the Feyenoord match follows a similar decision involving the Dutch club earlier this year. The Spanish Interior Ministry’s relevant body previously listed the UEFA Europa League meeting between Real Betis and Feyenoord as a high-risk fixture when the sides played in January.

That precedent was cited in the context of the latest decision involving Barcelona and Feyenoord. The authorities’ classification means that security planning for the two upcoming games will go beyond ordinary matchday procedures, with particular attention paid to access arrangements, visiting supporters and the areas surrounding each ground.

The Spanish government did not indicate that either fixture would be moved or played behind closed doors. The decision instead establishes additional operating and security requirements for Valencia, Barcelona and Feyenoord in connection with the two matches.

Barcelona therefore face a demanding week both on and off the pitch. Their first assignment comes away from home against Valencia in the Spanish league, followed by the start of their European campaign against Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou.

The measures are intended to support the safe organisation of both fixtures and will require the clubs concerned to coordinate with the relevant security authorities before and during the matches.