Rayo Vallecano, a finalist in the Conference League, will not be able to play at their Vallecas stadium for the next six months, likely until the end of the year. The Madrid City Council has revoked the stadium concession following urgent safety concerns.
The local authorities decided to intervene due to findings from a recent audit regarding the stadium’s functional condition. The regional government has temporarily suspended Rayo’s concession for the Vallecas stadium to begin necessary renovations as quickly as possible.
According to regional minister Mariano de Paco Serrano, “We conducted an audit of the stadium that revealed serious issues regarding maintenance. This has been, as we all know, the direct responsibility and obligation of the club, along with compliance and licensing issues.”
The announcement follows previous audits identifying significant safety deficiencies within the facilities. The Spanish Football Federation, LaLiga, and the Madrid Football Federation have all been notified of this decision.
This intervention is part of a broader investment plan, where €6 million has been allocated since 2018 for various improvements. These include €3 million in 2025 for the roof and other sports facilities, €1.5 million in 2022 for renovating the Avenida de la Albufera stand and modernizing restrooms and access points, and €1.2 million in 2018 for structural work.
Stadium Capacity to Increase by 4,000 Seats While Field Dimensions Will Be Adjusted
In addition to these repairs, a significant renovation project recently announced by the regional minister aims to increase the stadium’s capacity to at least 18,500 spectators from the current 14,500 and to adapt the field dimensions to meet LaLiga and international competition standards.
As a result of the stadium’s closure, Rayo Vallecano will not be able to play at home during the early months of La Liga, and an alternative venue has yet to be determined. “There is an internal procedure within the League with the club to decide which stadium will host the first match,” Mariano stated. “However, LaLiga and the Spanish Football Federation ensure that Rayo will have a solution to play those early league matches.” Rayo Vallecano was already forced to play a match at Butarque Stadium (Leganés) last season due to the condition of their home field.
