21.10.2025 10:30
With over 500 million fans worldwide, Real Madrid, one of the biggest football clubs, faced a setback from its local residents. The underground parking project planned around the Santiago Bernabeu was canceled by a court ruling.
The underground parking project planned to be built around Real Madrid Club's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, the capital of Spain, has been halted by a judicial brake. The Madrid High Court of Justice (TSJM) ruled to suspend construction works related to the project.
The court rejected the appeals of Real Madrid and the Madrid Municipality, ruling in favor of the local residents who filed the lawsuit.
"NO PUBLIC BENEFIT" REASONING
In its decision, the TSJM stated that the project consists of two underground parking lots and a connection tunnel, but these structures are not "in the public interest." The court also emphasized that the parking work would harm the green areas in the region and lead to the cutting down of trees. The statement, "The need for parking cannot be compared to the environmental damage it will cause," particularly drew attention in the ruling.
PENALTY FOR REAL MADRID AND THE MUNICIPALITY
The court ruled that Real Madrid should pay a fine of 12,000 euros and the Madrid Municipality should pay a fine of 6,000 euros as part of the litigation costs. This was recorded as the second legal defeat following the initial rejection decision made in 2024.
Following the decision, Real Madrid's parking project will not be able to be implemented for at least 40 years. This situation directly disrupts the club's traffic regulation plans around the Bernabeu.
NOISE LAWSUITS CONTINUE
Local residents around the Bernabeu have previously sued the club, arguing that the summer concerts held at the stadium caused noise and environmental pollution, leading to the cancellation of some events.
1.4 BILLION EURO RENOVATION
Real Madrid has spent approximately 1.4 billion euros on the Santiago Bernabeu renovation project, which it started in 2019. While the roof, stands, and landscaping of the stadium have been completely renovated as part of the massive project, environmental impacts and complaints from local residents continue to complicate the club's projects.