The La Liga club Rayo Vallecano has been indefinitely prohibited from using their home stadium just weeks before the new season due to concerns about the risk of fans contracting Legionnaires’ disease.
Rayo Vallecano rents the Estadio de Vallecas from the Madrid regional government, but their ability to host matches has been suspended after an audit revealed significant health and safety violations.
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A government report pointed out the potential hazards of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks and fire risks stemming from piles of trash and debris inside the stadium, along with electrical safety issues.
Currently, no alternative venue for home matches has been announced.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe lung infection caused by inhaling water droplets that contain bacteria.
Images released by the regional government and confirmed by Reuters depict trash bags and refuse accumulating in the stadium’s concourse and canteen areas.
Mariano de Paco, the regional director of sport, culture, and tourism, stated on Tuesday that the club had not adhered to requests for maintenance work and documentation proving water quality standards.
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“We made efforts to rectify the situation, but we’ve reached an irreversible point – the lack of maintenance has been officially recognized,” he remarked.
“The club failed to comply, forcing authorities to intervene. What has transpired is unacceptable.”
De Paco announced that immediate urgent repairs will commence and could take between two to six months to complete.
However, on Wednesday and Thursday, technicians from the regional government were denied access to the stadium by club representatives.
Footage surfaced on social media appearing to show club staff clearing debris from the premises.
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De Paco expressed frustration over his inability to reach Rayo president Raul Martin Presa, who has faced ongoing criticism from supporters and players regarding the facility’s disrepair and lack of modernization.
Last season, the Spanish football federation released a letter from Rayo’s players labeling the Vallecas pitch as “unplayable” and highlighting issues such as insufficient hot water in the showers and inadequate cleanliness.
They started last season unable to use their training ground due to mold but still reached the final of the UEFA Conference League, losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
Fans often endure lengthy waits to buy match tickets at the stadium’s small box office, as Rayo is the only top-tier Spanish team without an online ticketing system.
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Last month, the regional government introduced a two-year renovation plan for the stadium, which includes building a new stand to raise capacity to 18,500.
In February, Rayo was compelled to host a match against Atletico Madrid at the stadium of city rivals Leganes due to poor pitch conditions at Vallecas.
Rayo recently launched their season ticket renewal campaign, with an average cost increase of 15% for adults.
A provision in the renewal agreement seems to acknowledge the possibility of the stadium’s closure, stating that should matches not be allowed in Vallecas, season-ticket holders will be relocated “to the most similar available seating” at the selected alternative venue.
Rayo’s first scheduled home game of the season is set for Thursday, August 20, against Alaves.