La Liga officials will inspect Celta Vigo’s Estadio de Balaídos. This comes after reports of a suspected fungus outbreak that has damaged the pitch. This issue arises just before the club’s first match of the 2026-27 season.
Celta Vigo is set to host Osasuna on Sunday night, with kick-off at 20:30 BST.
Reports from Spain show that concerns are growing about the pitch's condition and if the match can go on as planned. Sources close to La Liga told BBC Sport on Wednesday that officials should visit the 24,870-capacity stadium in Vigo in the next 24 hours to check the pitch.
Celta Vigo has asked for the match to be postponed due to the poor condition of the pitch. On the other hand, Osasuna seems willing to play the match as scheduled.
The inspection will help decide if the pitch is safe and good enough for a top-flight match.
Balaídos recently hosted Spain’s friendly against Iraq in June. After that, the national team went on to win the 2026 World Cup during the summer.
This stadium has been undergoing renovations for more than ten years. It is also planned to be one of the 11 Spanish venues for the 2030 World Cup, which will be shared by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Once renovations finish, the stadium’s capacity is expected to grow from 24,870 to between 40,000 and 44,000.
Celta had the chance to postpone this opening match because striker Borja Iglesias was part of Spain’s World Cup final squad. But the club decided not to take that option.
The possible postponement would add to other changes made to the opening weekend schedule.
Three other La Liga matches, Valencia against Real Betis, Real Madrid against Real Sociedad, and Barcelona against Athletic Club, have been moved to later in the month due to clubs having players in the World Cup final.
La Liga’s pitch check will now decide if Celta Vigo can start their new season at home as planned or if the match against Osasuna will need to be rescheduled.
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