Laporta finds Real Madrid again, this time over land and Rayo’s stadium

Joan Laporta welcomed the decision that cleared the way for Rayo Vallecano to prepare for a return to its own stadium. The Barcelona president did not stop at congratulating the Madrid club, however. He quickly steered the conversation towards the rezoning of Real Madrid’s land in Valdebebas, although he never mentioned Los Blancos by name.

The reference was clear enough. Laporta said it was difficult to accept that land could be rezoned for some while others were prevented from playing at their stadium despite, according to him, having the necessary permits. AS interpreted the comment as a direct reference to Real Madrid and the plans surrounding its training complex.

LAPORTA WELCOMES THE RAYO DECISION

The Community of Madrid lifted the temporary suspension affecting Vallecas after receiving a second audit stating that the stadium was suitable for ordinary use. Rayo will not return immediately, with its first match back at the ground expected to be against Athletic Club on 10 October.

Laporta welcomed the development and congratulated Rayo’s president. From there, it took only a moment for the subject to move from Vallecas to Real Madrid. Even a positive decision concerning another club can apparently become an invitation for Barcelona’s president to glance towards Valdebebas.

The two situations are not directly comparable from a legal or administrative perspective. Rayo’s case concerned the condition and safety of its stadium. Real Madrid’s project forms part of an urban-planning procedure governing how the club’s land can be developed.

REAL MADRID’S PROJECT STILL REQUIRES APPROVALS

Madrid’s city authorities gave initial approval in late August to a planning modification covering approximately 448,000 square metres in Valdebebas. The proposed Madrid Innovation District would allow parts of the area to be used for offices, a hotel, a private hospital, educational facilities and commercial activity.

That initial approval does not give Real Madrid complete freedom to begin every element of the development. Further administrative stages are still required, while part of the site will remain allocated to sporting use.

Laporta did not offer a detailed explanation for placing the two cases side by side. He compared the handling of Rayo’s stadium with the proposed rezoning in Valdebebas and allowed the implication to do the rest. It worked as a media soundbite, even if the underlying procedures concern different issues.

REAL MADRID RETURNS TO LAPORTA’S AGENDA

The comments came after Laporta had dinner with Jorge Mendes, Deco and Alejandro Echevarría. The meeting concerned Barcelona’s affairs, but the club president also found time to discuss Rayo, the Valdebebas project and the Ballon d’Or race when he met reporters outside.

Real Madrid has not responded to Laporta’s remarks. There is also no basis at this stage for presenting the planning modification as a completed operation or a guaranteed financial return for the club.

Still, Laporta once again used an issue that did not directly involve Barcelona to deliver a message aimed at its biggest rival. Real Madrid did not even need to join the conversation. A stadium and a piece of land in the Spanish capital were enough.