Barcelona players face restrictions on the use of shower facilities at home and in training centres, due to a prolonged drought in the Catalan region. The team is currently playing home matches at the Estadio Olympique Luis Kompanis as the Stadio Campuneu is undergoing renovation. However, since September 2022, rainfall in Catalonia has plummeted, falling by 17% compared to the 30-year average.
As a result, Barcelona's team was told not to use the shower facilities at the stadium or training facility in order to conserve water. Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda Minister David Mascot has warned clubs that they may need to ship fresh water by boat if they continue to use water at their current rate of water consumption. The players were advised to bathe at home.
This restriction is a difficult time for Barcelona as they currently sit fourth in the La Liga standings, seven points behind leaders Sporting Gijón. In addition, their head coach Xavi Hernandez has set an unpopular record for the club, with his winning percentage worse than that of his predecessor Quirk Setian. Drought and water conservation measures highlight the environmental challenges facing the region. Barcelona will have to deal with these difficulties while continuing to pursue success on the pitch.