La Liga club Rayo Vallecano have been banned indefinitely from using their home ground less than three weeks before the new season due to fears supporters could contract Legionnaires’ disease.
Rayo lease the Estadio de Vallecas from Madrid’s regional government, but their licence to stage matches has been suspended after an audit identified major health and safety failures.
A regional government report warned of possible Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks and fire hazards caused by accumulated rubbish and debris inside the stadium, as well as electrical defects.
No alternative venue for home fixtures has yet been confirmed.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe lung infection triggered by inhaling water droplets carrying bacteria.
Photos released by the regional government and verified by Reuters show piles of rubbish bags and other debris in the concourse and canteen areas.
Mariano de Paco, Madrid’s regional head of sport, culture and tourism, told reporters on Tuesday that the club had failed to carry out required maintenance and to provide evidence of water quality.
He said authorities had tried to resolve the situation but had reached a breaking point, with the lack of maintenance officially documented.
As the club was not complying, he added, authorities had to intervene, calling the situation intolerable.
De Paco confirmed urgent works will begin immediately and could take between two and six months to finish.
However, on Wednesday and Thursday, technicians hired by the regional government were denied entry to the stadium by club officials.
Video posted on social media appeared to show club staff clearing debris from the ground.
De Paco added he has been unable to contact Rayo president Raul Martin Presa, long criticised by fans and players for neglected facilities and a lack of modernisation.
Last season, the Spanish football association published a letter from Rayo’s players describing the Vallecas pitch as “unplayable” and citing a lack of hot water in the showers and inadequate cleaning.
They began last season unable to use their own training ground because of mould but still reached the Uefa Conference League final, which they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
Supporters frequently queue for hours to buy tickets at the stadium’s small box office, as Rayo are the only top-flight Spanish club without an online ticketing site.
Last month, the regional government proposed a two-year renovation that includes a new stand to lift capacity to 18,500.
In February, Rayo had to host Atletico Madrid at neighbours Leganes due to poor pitch conditions at Vallecas.
Rayo launched season-ticket renewals last week with an average adult price rise of 15%.
A clause in the renewal terms appears to anticipate a closure, stating that if matches cannot be played at Vallecas, season-ticket holders will be seated “in the most similar location possible” at any alternative venue.
Rayo’s first home game is scheduled for Thursday, 20 August, against Alaves.