Barcelona FC Faces Labor Inspection Scrutiny in Latest Scandal

The return to Camp Nou was celebrated in Catalonia. After two and a half years away from their stadium, the Blaugranas made their comeback last Saturday with a resounding 4-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao. It was a festive occasion attended by 45,000 spectators, even though renovations are still ongoing. However, these construction issues are creating significant troubles for Barça.

While the Catalan club hopes to make substantial profits from their new stadium through ticket sales and events, they are also facing serious challenges. Recent reports have highlighted the working conditions of the construction workers, with a local union filing a complaint with the labor inspection authorities.

Camp Nou Workers Lacked Necessary Work Documents

An investigation by labor authorities revealed significant issues, as reported by El Periodico. The workers at the site, hired by Extreme Works—which is a subcontractor engaged by Limak, the construction firm chosen by Barça and Joan Laporta—were mostly foreign, specifically from Turkey, and many lacked the necessary permits. Reports indicate that workers were dismissed for complaining about conditions, which included 12-hour workdays from Monday to Sunday without weekends, along with false promises regarding their administrative status.

As a result, the Catalan labor inspection has fined the company one million euros and mandated immediate regularization of its employees. Meanwhile, Barça stated through the media that they “demand, via contractual obligations, that all collaborating companies strictly adhere to current legislation.” This new controversy is an unwanted development for the club, especially as the final stages of construction may face further delays.