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2d ago

LaLiga Postpones Celta Vigo Opener After Fungus Renders Balaídos Turf Unsafe

LaLiga says a fungal outbreak made the pitch unfit to play following recent high temperatures and will monitor remediation before the rescheduled fixture.

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Celta Vigo v Real Madrid - Estadio de Balaidos, Vigo, Spain - August 20, 2022 General view inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
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Overview

  • LaLiga, Celta Vigo and the RFEF agreed on Thursday to postpone the season opener against Osasuna and moved the match to Thursday, August 27 at 19:30 BST.
  • League inspectors had validated earlier remediation work but said recent warm weather worsened a fungal outbreak that left the Estadio de Balaídos playing surface unsafe for football.
  • Osasuna has formally protested the new August 27 date, saying the clubs had previously agreed to play on September 24 or 25 and warning the August slot harms travel and recovery time.
  • Balaídos is undergoing long-term renovation as a planned 2030 World Cup venue, and ongoing works plus pitch repairs complicate turf recovery and scheduling choices.
  • The postponement adds pressure to an already compressed early-season calendar after the World Cup final forced several opening fixtures to be moved and could increase fixture congestion for both clubs.