Madrid minister evicts Rayo Vallecano from Vallecas stadium

The Regional Government of Madrid has revoked Rayo Vallecano’s right‑of‑use for the Vallecas stadium, forcing the Spanish top‑flight LaLiga club to secure an alternative venue just two weeks before the new season begins. The decision follows an inspection that highlighted serious safety concerns.

Renovation work is slated to begin as early as tomorrow, with the works expected to last several months. The government said the schedule will be announced later.

The revocation arrives less than two weeks before LaLiga’s opening fixtures, a period when the club had already been aware of the stadium’s shortcomings. Officials noted that the poor condition of Vallecas had been recognised for some time.

“There is no way to guarantee that nothing can happen,” Regional Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport Mariano de Paco said. He added that the decision was taken to protect spectators and players.

Rayo Vallecano will therefore be unable to host its first‑home matches at Vallecas. The club must now arrange an alternative venue for the start of the campaign.

The regional authority did not disclose a precise timetable, but indicated that the renovation could take several months. Work is slated to begin as early as tomorrow, according to the minister.

The government justified the action as necessary to ensure public safety, citing potential fire‑safety and sanitation problems. “We will act with the utmost urgency and try to make it happen in the shortest possible time,” Mariano de Paco declared.

Rayo Vallecano occupies the municipal Vallecas ground under a right‑of‑use agreement, not as the stadium’s owner. As a Conference League finalist this season, the club cannot unilaterally remedy the deficiencies.

Minister de Paco explained that the inspection uncovered alarming results concerning the stadium’s condition and maintenance. He said the responsibility for compliance lay with the club, prompting the Community of Madrid to temporarily suspend the concession while renovations proceed.