Bernabeu faces €20m legal claim as FIFA reviews Spain’s 2030 World Cup final plans

Real Madrid have begun legal proceedings against Madrid City Council for €20m over the collapse of an underground car park project near the Santiago Bernabeu, as FIFA assesses the stadium’s suitability to host matches at the 2030 World Cup.

The club is also holding discussions with FIFA representatives over the possibility of staging the tournament final at the home of Real Madrid, highlighting the parallel legal and sporting issues surrounding the stadium this week.

Real Madrid are expected to present the compensation claim to members at their annual general meeting. The club believes Madrid City Council bears full responsibility for the project’s failure.

The car park proposal had been under consideration for several years, alongside the redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabeu. It was initially approved and the club began planning, research and preparatory work before the project was halted in mid-2025.

The decision followed a ruling by the High Court of Justice of Madrid after an appeal by a residents’ association affected by construction work at the stadium.

Real Madrid argue the project had been approved subject to a clause stating that, if it did not go ahead, Madrid City Council would be required to compensate the club for the damage caused. Aparcamientos del Santiago Bernabeu, the company created specifically for the development and led by Real Madrid general manager Jose Angel Sanchez, is seeking the €20m as an estimate of the costs already incurred.

The claim represents a further escalation in the club’s relationship with local authorities, following years of disputes involving redevelopment work, noise, congestion and the effect of major events on people living in the surrounding area.

FIFA inspection at the Bernabeu

At the same time, a FIFA delegation visited the Santiago Bernabeu as part of an inspection tour ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which will be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

According to journalist Anton Meana of Cadena SER, meetings with the main parties involved continued throughout the afternoon. Representatives of the Spanish government, Madrid City Council and Real Madrid attended.

FIFA said the visits were “an important stage in the host city selection process and will enable FIFA to assess the tournament preparation and operational plans, as well as the proposed infrastructure for each candidate stadium”.

The delegation was also due to meet Rafael Louzan, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. He chose not to travel to Prague for Spain’s Nations League match against Czechia in order to attend the meeting with FIFA.

Cadena SER reported that FIFA’s questions were clear and that answers were provided immediately. However, representatives of the Spanish government stressed that the upgrades required for a group-stage match would be very different from those needed if the Bernabeu hosted the final.

The delegation was said to be highly impressed by the stadium, but the key issue is whether it can meet FIFA’s many requirements and whether those overseeing the project are prepared to avoid making major changes to their proposed plans.