The Community of Madrid has demanded a comprehensive renovation of the Vallecas stadium to ensure Rayo Vallecano plays in a venue worthy of the top flight. Councillor Mariano de Paco Serrano explained the objective is a complete overhaul worth around 60 million euros, guaranteeing safety and the public interest.
"The regional government's objective is for Rayo to play in a stadium at its level," stated De Paco Serrano. The regional official stressed that, despite administrative tensions, "relations with the club are not deteriorated". The administration took safety measures after detecting a contractual breach by the club, which is not qualified to manage the venue. A second audit confirmed the stadium is safe.
The plan involves appointing a new concessionaire to carry out the multi-million euro investment, allowing the team to continue playing at Vallecas during a transitional period. Rayo will not leave its neighbourhood unless it takes over management, which the Community rules out. The team, sitting 12th in La Liga with 8 points, will return to its home ground on October 10 to host Athletic Club, who are tenth. Rayo approaches this match on a three-game unbeaten run, following a 1-1 draw with Osasuna in which top scorer Sergio Camello, who has 7 goals this season, netted the equaliser in the 77th minute. The team will aim for three points at home, where they last beat Espanyol.
This story first appeared at Marca - Primera
