Encamp's Nou Estadi Replaces Damaged Hybrid Pitch, Forcing Andorran Clubs to Estadi Nacional
Winter weather has damaged the hybrid grass at Encamp's Nou Estadi de la FAF, prompting immediate replacement and relocation of Andorran teams' UEFA preliminary first legs to Estadi Nacional, with work targeting completion for late July.
Key Points
- Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp started hybrid grass replacement this week due to winter weather damage.
- Andorran clubs shift first European preliminary matches to Estadi Nacional.
- Pitch was due for replacement every two seasons but needed urgent fix after harsh winter.
- Upgrades aim to finish by late July for second-round fixtures.
Encamp's Nou Estadi de la FAF has started replacing its hybrid grass pitch due to damage from this winter's weather, forcing Andorran clubs to shift their first European preliminary matches to the Estadi Nacional.
The Federació Andorrana de Futbol (FAF) began the work this week at the venue, which hosts FC Andorra's continental ties despite the club's domestic games in Spain's Lliga Hypermotion. FAF president Félix Álvarez explained recently that the surface, originally planned for replacement every two seasons, needed urgent attention after harsh conditions this winter.
As a result, teams from the Lliga Multisegur Assegurances will play their UEFA Champions League preliminary round and UEFA Conference League preliminary round first legs at the Estadi Nacional. The FAF aims to complete the upgrades in time for second-round fixtures scheduled for late July.
The Nou Estadi remains the main ground for Andorran sides in European competitions. No details have emerged on the full cost of the project.
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