The latest institutional scandal at Rayo Vallecano has been caused by the state of the pitch at the Vallecas stadium. The first team squad, as well as the entire youth academy, have been complaining for months about the conditions in which they work at the Ciudad Deportiva training ground. In fact, the reserve team has had to find alternative pitches for its matches, as has the first team for its training sessions.

The latest crisis erupted on Saturday 7 February when, with just over three hours to go before Rayo Vallecano's match against Oviedo on matchday 23 of the EA Sports League, La Liga announced the suspension of the match due to the poor condition of the pitch. But that was not the end of it, as the match on matchday 24 against Atlético de Madrid was played at the Butarque stadium in Leganés.

Matches not played in Vallecas due to the condition of the pitch

• Rayo Vallecano - Oviedo (date to be confirmed)
• Rayo Vallecano 3-0 Atlético de Madrid (played at Butarque)

Fans call for Raúl Presa's resignation

For Rayo Vallecano fans, there is a clear culprit: president Raúl Presa. The head of the Vallecas club has repeatedly ignored the complaints of his players, coach and fans. He has even threatened to build a stadium far from the neighbourhood, which would go against the essence of what Rayo Vallecano is all about.

As a result, the fans want the president out of the club. They have made this clear on several occasions. They know that the institutional crisis could affect the team's performance. For now, the victory against Atlético de Madrid has allowed Iñigo Pérez's team to climb out of the relegation zone, but if the crisis continues, the team's performance could be compromised.

EA Sports League Standings

• 12. Sevilla 26 points
• 13. Alavés 26 points
• 14 Valencia 26 points
• 15 Girona 23 points (one game less)
• 16 Elche 25 points
• 17 Rayo Vallecano 25 points (one game less)
• 18 Mallorca 24 points
• 19 Levante 18 points (one game less)
• 20 Oviedo 16 points (one game less)