Rayo Vallecano to move stadium over Legionnaires risk

Rayo Vallecano to move stadium over Legionnaires riskImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Estadio de Vallecas, built in 1976, is the smallest stadium in La LigaByAlex BrothertonBBC Sport journalistPublished3 minutes agoLa Liga side Rayo Vallecano have been barred indefinitely from playing at their home stadium less than three weeks before the start of the new season because of the risk of supporters contracting Legionnaires' disease.Rayo rent the Estadio de Vallecas from the regional government of Madrid but have had their licence to host matches suspended after an audit highlighted serious health and safety issues.A regional government report cited the risk of Legionnaires' disease outbreaks or fires due to the accumulation of refuse and debris inside the stadium, as well as electrical faults.To date, no alternative venue for home games has been confirmed.Legionnaires' disease is a serious lung infection caused by inhaling droplets of water containing bacteria.Photos published by the regional government and verified by Reuters show rubbish bags and other debris piled up in the stadium concourse and canteen.Mariano ⁠de Paco, Madrid's regional head of sport, culture and tourism, told reporters on Tuesday the club had not complied with requests to carry out maintenance and provide proof of water quality."We've tried to get this back on track but we've reached a point of no return - the lack of maintenance has been certified," he said."The club wasn't complying so authorities had ​to take action. What has happened is intolerable."De Paco confirmed urgent work on the stadium will begin immediately and could take between two and six months to complete.He added he has been unable to contact Rayo president Raul Martin Presa, who has long been criticised by the club's fans and players for the poor upkeep of facilities and a failure to modernise the club.Last season, the Spanish football association published a...