Rayo Vallecano's supporters' groups have secured two concrete concessions from the club after months of pressure, but warn the battle for real change is not over. The club announced on Friday that it will compensate season ticket holders for three matches played at Butarque and will bring back the red stripe to the kit starting in the 2027/28 season.
The club expressed deep regret for the inconvenience caused to fans after being forced to play home games at Leganés' stadium against Alavés, Racing Santander, and Espanyol. This forced relocation happened after the Community of Madrid revoked the concession for the Estadio de Vallecas on July 28, an act described by fans as "absolutely unjust". The proportional refunds will be processed before December 31, 2026.
A step forward, not salvation
The ADRV Platform and the supporters' groups issued a joint statement celebrating these gestures as a "small victory". "We understand it is time to lower the tension and open a temporary parenthesis in the conflict," they said. However, they were clear that this does not solve the underlying dispute. "This battle represents an advance, but not the salvation of Rayo," the supporters' groups stated.
Their main demands remain. They require a public apology from president Raúl Martín Presa for years of perceived mistreatment of the fanbase, and they demand a meeting with the board before the match against Celta on October 31 to verify a genuine commitment to change. The club, for its part, stressed in its communication that gestures must become facts and words must become real commitments.
Immediate sporting context
This agreement comes at a delicate sporting moment. Rayo Vallecano sits 14th in La Liga with 9 points after eight matchdays, following a 1-1 draw against Getafe last weekend. The team is now on a five match winless run in the league, a concerning piece of recent form. The next challenge is imminent: this Saturday they host Elche, who are bottom of the table, in a match that could be key to moving away from the relegation zone. The last time they met, in April, Rayo won 1-0, with Sergio Camello scoring in the 89th minute.
The club's communication followed a meeting between players, staff, and fan representatives to improve relations. As the team prepares for a key match, the supporters will watch to ensure the board's words turn into actions, starting with the demanded meeting before the end of the month.
This story first appeared at Marca - Primera
