El Alcoraz Stadium Licensing Dispute: City Compliance and Club Impacts

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Possible “loss” and “irreparable” damage

The city council’s firm stance clarifies several unresolved points. The El Alcoraz stadium, under Luis Felipe’s decree from May, was intended to close before any official season began, yet it did not host a match in the last campaign. Only one official game occurred against Eibar, while this season has seen seven official fixtures. The municipal decision, supported by the city planning authority, is viewed as urgent and potentially damaging to SD Huesca’s operations and finances. The club warns that prolonged closure could be very difficult to recover from, especially given the stadium’s role in professional play and local employment.

SD Huesca argues in its correspondence that the stadium’s status affects more than the playing schedule. The closure touches general interests tied to professional football and public attendance, with consequences including lost revenue, disrupted fan engagement, and broader economic impact on the club and its staff. They emphasize that continuing shutdowns would hamper the ability of fans to attend matches and could trigger penalties and sanctions within the league framework, threatening stability for the club and its community of supporters. The organization stresses the broader harm to the club’s operations, beyond a single season or a single game.

In presenting its case, SD Huesca outlines potential scenarios that could unfold if the situation remains unresolved, including disruptions to the competition calendar and financial strain that could threaten long-term viability. The club describes a chain reaction where a stadium closure might escalate to broader organizational difficulties, raising questions about the city’s willingness to support a professional team and the stadium’s role in the local economy. The looming risk underscores the need for a clear path to licensing and compliance that would allow the venue to reopen safely and legally.

Meanwhile, city authorities remain steadfast. They contest that the root causes lie in administrative gaps and insufficient documentation rather than any fundamental safety or regulatory failure. Officials argue that the delays and uncertainties stem from procedural missteps and not from immediate safety concerns, placing the onus on SD Huesca to provide the missing materials and approvals required to resume operations. The debate thus centers on regulatory compliance, timely submissions, and the proper sequencing of permits tied to public safety and urban planning standards.

unacceptable sources

Officials acting in urban planning matters have reviewed the objections raised by SD Huesca and determined them insufficient to affect the ongoing process. The responsible department has directed the municipal services to move forward with initiating the stadium licensing procedure, while reaffirming that the current status remains non-compliant with local ordinances. Despite past renovations and expansions aimed at meeting league standards—such as improving capacity and updating facilities—the stadium’s legal status is still in question. The club has pursued modifications and improvements in line with top-flight expectations, but these steps did not finalize the licensing requirements in the eyes of the administration.

SD Huesca’s position hinges on the belief that operations began with due diligence and without a complete, formal licensing package. The club asserted that the previous administration requested essential reports, which were not attached at the time, contributing to the present impasse. City officials counter that the club’s submissions did not meet the specific criteria outlined in the applicable legal framework, and that the responsible departments cannot suspend enforcement simply due to unfulfilled administrative steps outside established timelines. The result is a stalemate where the stadium remains legally non-operational until all conditions are satisfied.

In sum, the city emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and public interest as guiding factors. Officials argue that ensuring appropriate firefighting measures, evacuation routes, and emergency exits takes precedence over other considerations. The focus remains on safeguarding spectators and staff, with economic impacts acknowledged but not prioritized over compliance and safety obligations. The situation continues to evolve as the licensing process advances and the parties seek a workable solution for a lawful return to football activity at El Alcoraz.

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