Official: Real Madrid issue statement clarifying Supreme Court ruling on Bernabeu concert ban

Real Madrid have moved quickly to address widespread media coverage surrounding a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling related to concerts at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

The club insist the decision has been misrepresented in various outlets.

What the court actually decided

In their official statement, which comes just a day after the club confirmed their offer for Julian Alvarez was rejected, Real Madrid were keen to draw a clear distinction between what the ruling does and does not mean.

“The Supreme Court has not issued any resolution concerning the legality of the concerts held at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

No concern surrounding the legality of Bernabeu concerts. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The decision disclosed today pertains exclusively to a procedural matter and means that the legal proceedings initiated by a neighbourhood association will continue before the corresponding court.”

The club further clarified that no judicial resolution has been made declaring the concerts unlawful. “Therefore, there is currently no judicial resolution declaring that the concerts held at the stadium were contrary to urban planning regulations or applicable licenses.”

The club also pushed back against the notion that the Bernabeu is being treated differently to other major venues in Spain, pointing to a direct comparison with a rival stadium.

“The organisation of concerts at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is subject to the same regime of authorisations and administrative controls applicable to other large sports venues, such as the Metropolitano Stadium, where concerts are also being held these days.”

What happens next

Real Madrid are ready to defend the Bernabeu concerts. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The legal proceedings will now return to the 31st Administrative Disputes Court of Madrid, where the substantive arguments from the neighbourhood association will be heard.

The association argues that the stadium’s current urban environmental licenses do not legally permit it to operate as a music venue.

Real Madrid, however, are clear that today’s ruling changes nothing about the current status of their concerts, and that the matter will be resolved through the ordinary course of legal proceedings.