What does an increase in your season ticket from 230€ (in 23/24) to 380€ get you this season at Rayo Vallecano? Legionnaires’ disease. Well that is according to the Madrid Regional council. It was this and a host of other health risks that led to the council a week ago giving notice for Rayo to vacate the council owned stadium in Vallecas so essential work could be carried out.
It was only this week that Madrid officials did gain access to the stadium but fans of the working class club sprang into action on Sunday to protest outside the stadium over the man they feel is responsible: Raul Martín Presa. Speaking to Rayo fan Victor from Plataforma ADRV outside the stadium, he was clear.
“It´s in a really bad condition. It´s not safe for the fans or the players and we are here to protest against the president and having him (Presa) out of Vallecas as soon as possible. The first person responsible is Raul Martín Presa.” But if the club is ran so badly , how is it possible for this club to be making a Conference League Final?
“After 15 years of Raul Martín Presa, being in the Final wasa miracle for Rayo because the management of the club has been a total disaster. This could be the biggest issue we have gone through but this isn´t first.”
“If we aren´t playing in Vallecas, I´m not going”
It´s safe to say Rayo fans aren´t asking for a life of luxury, posh seats and corporate offerings. If people wanted that, they could head to Madrid´s premium clubs in Atlético Aviación and Real Madrid. However, many fans do privately fear that this brinkmanship from the owner is a tactic to get a stadium plot out of Vallecas and a more profitable experience for him. For now, Rayo organisations like Plataforma ADRV are focussed on bringing the pressure to find a way home.
“I have to say that going to Burgos, if this helps get rid of our President, is welcome. ” Of course Victor doesn´t mean any fans actually going and this sentiment is shared by the Rayo fans in the local bar ‘Puerto de Mar’. A group of lads we spoke to had all bought season tickets, and now a huge fight is on to get their money back.
“In Burgos, in Leganés , I don´t care. If they aren´t playing in Vallecas, I´m not going” were Alex´s blunt words outside the bar, met with universal approval. No stadium is a club but there is no club without a home. Victor sums up the attachment “My Grandfather brought me here, I want to bring my kids here.”
Rayo Vallecano: A forgotten problem?
With a few weeks to go before La Liga kicks off, the story of Spanish football should be one of celebration thanks to another World Cup. Instead, La Liga could begin with one team forced out of their city, playing hours away and showing an empty stadium on TV. Still, with football coverage consumed by an endless cycle of Real, Barca and transfer soap operas: Who is looking out for little Rayo? In Spain, Football may be King but sometimes it does appear to be run by clowns.
Photos used with permission of Plataforma ADRV
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