MADRID, July 28, 2026 – LaLiga club Rayo Vallecano will need to find a temporary venue for their home matches as their Estadio de Vallecas undergoes emergency repair works prompted by serious safety deficiencies and unsanitary conditions, regional authorities announced on Tuesday.

The stadium, built in 1976 and owned by the Madrid regional government, has been under long-standing criticism from fan groups over its deteriorating state. The club uses the stadium under a concession agreement.

Mariano de Paco, Madrid's regional head of sport, culture, and tourism, told reporters that Rayo's concession was suspended following an audit revealing widespread obsolescence and regulatory non-compliance that compromised the stadium's safety and operational viability. The urgent repairs are expected to take between two and six months.

"We've tried to get this back on track, but we've reached a point of no return – the lack of maintenance has been certified. The club wasn't complying, so authorities had to take action," de Paco said.

The decision follows a February incident when Rayo had to relocate a home game against Atletico Madrid to Leganes' Butarque stadium due to Vallecas' "unplayable" pitch conditions.

Last week, the UEFA Conference League finalists launched their season ticket renewal campaign with an average price increase of 15% for adults.

Rayo Vallecano and club owner Raul Martin Presa have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Sources