In a major legal victory for Real Madrid, the Provincial Court of Madrid has ruled in favor of the club regarding the controversial concerts held at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The decision, announced today, brings a definitive end to the criminal proceedings against the club's general director, José Ángel Sánchez Periáñez, and Real Madrid Estadio S.L.
The court's ruling, which fully upholds the appeals filed by the club, comes as a decisive blow to the complaint lodged by the Neighborhood Association of Those Affected by the Bernabéu and six other residents. The judicial resolution clearly states that neither Sánchez Periáñez nor the club's stadium management company bear any criminal responsibility for the noise issues that arose during concerts at the iconic venue.
In a key finding that sets an important precedent, the court determined that the responsibility for ensuring compliance with noise regulations—specifically the Municipal Ordinance on Protection against Acoustic and Thermal Pollution—falls squarely on the promoter companies that lease the stadium. These are the entities that "promote, organize, develop, and execute each event," the ruling notes. The court further emphasized that a mere violation of administrative environmental regulations does not automatically warrant criminal prosecution.
Real Madrid released a statement expressing its satisfaction with the outcome, describing the original complaint as "absolutely unfounded and instrumental." The club reiterated its unwavering confidence in the justice system and pledged to continue cooperating fully with all competent authorities.
For fans and the broader sports community, this ruling removes a significant cloud that had hung over the Bernabéu's ability to host major concerts and events. The stadium, which underwent a massive €1.7 billion renovation completed in 2023, was designed not only as a world-class football venue but also as a premier entertainment destination capable of hosting everything from Champions League finals to international music tours.
This legal clarity comes at an opportune time for Real Madrid, allowing the club to focus on what it does best—competing at the highest level in both football and entertainment, while maintaining the Bernabéu's status as one of the world's most iconic sporting venues.
