La Liga side Rayo Vallecano have been barred indefinitely from playing at their home stadium less than three weeks before the start of the new season because of the risk of supporters contracting Legionnaires’ disease.
Rayo rent the Estadio de Vallecas from the regional government of Madrid but have had their licence to host matches suspended after an audit highlighted serious health and safety issues.
A regional government report cited the risk of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks or fires due to the accumulation of refuse and debris inside the stadium, as well as electrical faults.
To date, no alternative venue for home games has been confirmed.
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection caused by inhaling droplets of water containing bacteria.
Photos published by the regional government and verified by Reuters show rubbish bags and other debris piled up in the stadium concourse and canteen.
Mariano de Paco, Madrid’s regional head of sport, culture and tourism, told reporters on Tuesday the club had not complied with requests to carry out maintenance and provide proof of water quality.
“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,” he said.
“The club wasn’t complying so authorities had to take action. What has happened is intolerable.”
De Paco confirmed urgent work on the stadium will begin immediately and could take between two and six months to complete.
However, on Wednesday and Thursday, technicians contracted by the regional government were refused access to the stadium by club officials.
Video footage emerged on social media appearing to show club employees clearing debris from the stadium.
De Paco added he has been unable to contact Rayo president Raul Martin Presa, who has long been criticised by the club’s fans and players for the poor upkeep of facilities and a failure to modernise the club.
Last season, the Spanish football association published a letter written by Rayo’s players that described the Vallecas pitch as “unplayable” and noted a lack of hot water in the showers and inadequate cleaning.
They began last season without being able to use their own training ground because of mould but were able to reach the final of the Uefa Conference League which they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.
Supporters regularly have to queue for hours to purchase match tickets at the stadium’s small box office as Rayo is the only top-flight Spanish club without a ticketing website.
Last month the regional government proposed a two-year stadium renovation plan that would include a new stand to increase capacity to 18,500.
In February, Rayo were forced to play a home match against Atletico Madrid at the home of Madrid neighbours Leganes because of poor pitch conditions at Vallecas.
Rayo launched their season ticket renewal campaign last week with an average price increase of 15% for adults.
A clause in the renewal terms appears to anticipate the closure of the stadium as it says in the event matches cannot be played in Vallecas then season-ticket holders will be given seats “in the most similar location possible” at the chosen alternative venue.
Rayo’s first home game of the season is against Alaves and is scheduled for Thursday, 20 August.
