FiMED – Follow-up

FC Barcelona has faced criticism from some of its supporters after approving a 25-year commercial agreement with «Babylon Park» (Babylon Park) to develop and operate a family entertainment centre inside the «Spotify Camp Nou» stadium, amid controversy over the company's links to Israel.

Barcelona's Ordinary General Assembly approved the agreement on 19 September by 252 votes to 158, with 31 spoiled ballots and 10 abstentions. The agreement grants the company a 25-year licence to set up and operate an indoor entertainment centre inspired by FC Barcelona, the football experience and family entertainment.

According to Spanish reports, the project will occupy around 900 square metres within the «Barça Café» area of Camp Nou, with plans to later expand by opening Barcelona-branded entertainment centres in other parts of Catalonia, and the possibility of international expansion.

Controversy over the company's ties

Part of the criticism has focused on the company's identity and ownership. According to media reports, "Babylon Park Spain SL" is linked to the «Babylon Park» group, founded by Israeli businessman Efi Malka, which operates entertainment facilities in several countries.

Before the vote, Catalan MEP Jaume Asens raised the issue, calling on Barcelona's management to verify the company's ownership and investors and to examine whether the group or its affiliated companies have activities or economic ties with Israeli settlements, the occupied Palestinian territories or institutions accused of contributing to the continuation of the occupation, according to media reports.

For its part, FC Barcelona officially stated that the agreement is part of the "Espai Barça" (Espai Barça) project, which aims to expand the commercial and entertainment activities linked to the stadium, noting that the «Babylon Park» centre will be dedicated to family entertainment experiences tied to the club's brand.

The approval of the deal has drawn reactions from some Barcelona fans and pro-Palestinian activists, amid ongoing debate over commercial ties with companies linked to Israel, while the club presses ahead with its plan to boost commercial revenue from the «Camp Nou» redevelopment project.