Feature

Grifols denies Camp Nou sponsorship reports

Pharmaceuticals company Grifols has denied reports claiming it has agreed a deal to take on naming rights to the Camp Nou, home of Spanish LaLiga football club Barcelona.

Radio Catalunya had reported that Grifols was in advanced talks over a 30-year deal with Barcelona worth €15m (£13.4m/$17.7m) per season, but the company has quickly moved to quash the suggestion.

In a statement reported by Spanish newspaper Marca, Grifols said: “With respect to the news stories of negotiations between Grifols and Barcelona over the naming rights of the Camp Nou, the company is not contemplating any sponsorship of this type.”

News emerged earlier this month that Barcelona is seeking a naming rights sponsor for its famous home ground, with the funds generated by any deal set to be used to fund renovation and expansion work at the venue.

The club is reportedly seeking to generate €200m from the partnership, a significantly lower figure than the reported sums involved in the Grifols deal.

Barcelona’s Camp Nou currently has a capacity of 99,354 and the club has tried to expand this in recent years, but has so far not been able to push ahead with the project. However, the funds from a naming rights deal could clear the way for the initiative.

Barcelona is due attend the annual TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit taking place in Barcelona on 28-29 November, to represent the project.

Image: Piotr Matyja