Rayo Vallecano cannot start season at Vallecas after safety audit | OneFootball

Rayo Vallecano will not begin the 2026/27 season at Estadio de Vallecas. The Community of Madrid announced the precautionary suspension of the club’s concession on Tuesday after an audit found serious failings in safety, maintenance and regulatory compliance, enabling urgent works to start immediately.

The technical report concluded the venue does not guarantee the safety of supporters or staff. It highlighted major shortcomings in fire protection systems, electrical installations, emergency lighting and other essentials, plus hygiene deficiencies and missing mandatory maintenance documentation.

As a result, Rayo will not play their opening home fixtures in Vallecas. The club must propose an alternative ground to LaLiga and the Real Federación Española de Fútbol, which have been informed. The region estimates the works could take two to six months, with no firm return date.

The move stems from an audit commissioned ahead of a full redevelopment of Vallecas. It found widespread obsolescence and significant breaches of conservation duties that sat with the club as concessionaire, including out-of-code installations and equipment beyond its service life.

The decision comes days after the region unveiled a €60 million overhaul to lift capacity above 18,500, add a new stand and modernise the ground. Deterioration flagged by the audit has forced an emergency intervention, leaving Rayo without their stadium less than a month before LaLiga kicks off.

Source: Superdeporte