Madrid, August 17 (EFE) - The Madrid regional government rejected Rayo Vallecano's request for an interim measure on Monday, allowing them to play their upcoming LaLiga match against Alavés at their home stadium, Vallecas. According to sources from the Regional Sports Department, the government rejected the request, meaning the match will be held at Butarque Stadium in Leganés, instead of Vallecas, where the club considered other alternatives like El Plantío in Burgos and Butarque in Leganés.
In July, the Madrid regional government - which owns the stadium - provisionally suspended the concession that allowed Rayo Vallecano to use the venue after serious safety concerns were detected. An audit commissioned by the Regional Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Sport revealed that the stadium was in a state of 'generalized obsolescence' and showed 'serious regulatory non-compliance' that compromised the safety and operation of the facilities.
The club requested an interim measure that would allow them to play their first home LaLiga match at Vallecas, arguing that the stadium was 'fit for use'. However, three days before their season opener, the regional government rejected the request, meaning the match against Alavés will be played at Butarque.
Sources also indicated that regional government technicians are continuing to work on a report detailing the improvements required at Rayo's stadium.
The club considered other alternatives like El Plantío in Burgos and Butarque in Leganés, but ultimately chose the latter.
The decision has not been well received by supporters. The Rayo Vallecano Supporters' Clubs Federation and the ADVR Platform announced that they will not attend matches at Butarque, or any other stadium, when Rayo are the home team.
Supporters' groups criticized the board led by Raúl Martín Presa for what they consider a lack of information about how many matches will have to be played away from Vallecas.
