La Liga side Rayo Vallecano has been indefinitely barred from playing at its home stadium, the Estadio de Vallecas, less than three weeks before the new season begins. The decision follows an audit that highlighted serious health and safety issues, including the risk of supporters contracting Legionnaires' disease.
A regional government report cited the potential for Legionnaires' disease outbreaks or fires due to accumulated refuse and debris, alongside electrical faults. Mariano de Paco, Madrid's regional head of sport, culture and tourism, stated that the club had not complied with maintenance requests or provided proof of water quality.
Mr De Paco confirmed that urgent work on the stadium will commence immediately and could take between two and six months to complete. No alternative venue for Rayo Vallecano's home games has yet been confirmed.
The club's first home game of the season is scheduled for Thursday, 20 August, against Alaves.