Article by Daniel Scorpie – published on Friday, 02 May 2025, 13:33 / Updated on Friday, May 2, 2025 13:46
Elche, leader in the Adelante League (second division), with the prospect of returning to the elite, took an unpopular measure. Supporters will no longer be able to consume sunflower seeds on the Manuel Martínez Valero arena, the custom, common in Spain, thus being forbidden to matches.
The management of the team with 68 points, with two more than Racing Santander (third place), the first to reach Laliga, with five stages, disputed from the regular season, He hopes that by this decision he will provide the public with civilized conditions, a healthy atmosphere and the conditions of Laliga. Especially since next season could come to visit the Spanish football borders.
“The shells of the sunflower seeds (pipas, in Spanish) clog the pipes, affect the paint on the chairs and attract pests like rats and pigeons.”explained through an official comminatory the club in the province of Alicante.
Valencia stopped selling at the stadium, but allows consumption!
Elche becomes the first Spanish club announcing such a measure, and this will come into effect from its next match on their own ground with Levante, on May 10, on the stadium with a capacity of 34,000 seats. Two years ago, Valencia ended the sale of “pipas” on Mestalla, but allowed their consumption.
“This measure responds to the need to protect the soil, to ensure hygiene and to strengthen our commitment to durability and respect for the environment.
The rodents and pigeons are the enemies of the Elche stadium, attracted by the seed / photo shells: X
“The stadium must be an example of civilization, respect, cleanliness and pride in the club. Joy for football”
Martinez Valero is not only a football stadium, but a symbol that thousands of supporters use in common. However, the large-scale consumption of sunflower seeds in recent years has created big problems for the arena. The seed shells thrown everywhere increase significantly the costs of cleaning and maintenance ”.
The seed shells damage the concrete under the feet and gather in the hardly accessible areas. This decision is not meant to punish any fan, but rather to keep a common space in the best possible conditions
Elche CF's communication
Elche's leadership also warned on other harmful effects of “Pipas”: “I attract diseases brought by rats and pigeons. And, above all, they endanger the cleanliness of the stands. Despite the constant efforts of the club staff, we must always remove all the shells after each match.”
The leader in Segunda calls for the responsibility of the fans “to keep Martinez Valero as an example of civilization, respect, cleanliness and pride in the club.
We thank the fans for their understanding, aware of the value of keeping a suitable stadium for enjoying football, safe and comforting. ”
