Encamp's opposition group demands answers after the parish lost a chance to host the world-class FC

Encamp council dismisses mismanagement accusations after FC Barcelona women's team chooses Andorra la Vella for pre-season camp, blaming stadium scheduling conflicts.

Encamp's ruling council has rejected opposition allegations of poor oversight in the parish's unsuccessful bid to host FC Barcelona's women's first-team pre-season training. Cònsol Menor Xavier Fernández stressed that the club intended from the outset to base itself in Encamp, but availability issues at the FAF's Nou Estadi prevented it.

Speaking at a reception for the club's handball team by Engolasters Lake, Fernández detailed initial contacts two or three months earlier. A Barcelona delegation, including sports director Marc Vivés, toured the stadium, communal facilities, a gym, and several hotels, confirming Encamp as their top choice.

Conflicts emerged in July due to scheduled turf replacement, followed by Inter Club d'Escaldes' UEFA Conference League qualifier against Flora Tallinn. Efforts to shift to the subsequent weekend failed when FC Andorra's Segunda División home opener against Ceuta occupied the venue. A final window no longer suited Barcelona's plans, and the Prada de Moles pitch was unsuitable because of its artificial surface.

Fernández noted no alternatives existed at the FAF-managed stadium or the former FC Andorra field. He framed the outcome positively, pointing to high demand from Inter d'Escaldes' European games and FC Andorra's fixtures as evidence of Encamp's growing sports prominence. "The best team in the world being in Andorra is something to celebrate," he said, thanking Barcelona, the FAF, and FC Andorra for their cooperation.

The event also included handball coach Antonio Carlos Ortega, whose side is on its yearly Encamp training retreat. Ortega, who has led the team on five visits and secured three Champions League titles, remarked: "Why not dream? Dreaming is free—why not win another?"

Agrupament Encampadà labelled the loss "incomprehensible," referencing the parish's Barcelona connections since the senior basketball team's 2008 visit and recent upgrades. The group called for explanations on stadium coordination, praising the La Liga, Copa de la Reina, and UEFA Women’s Champions League champions captained by Aitana Bonmatí.