Real Madrid seeks €20m over failed Bernabeu car park as FIFA assesses 2030 World Cup final bid

The Santiago Bernabeu has become the focus of two separate disputes, with Real Madrid beginning a €20m compensation claim against Madrid City Council while FIFA examines the stadium’s suitability to host matches at the 2030 World Cup.

The legal action concerns the cancellation of plans to build an underground car park near the stadium. Real Madrid is expected to place the proposal before its annual members’ meeting, where it will explain the claim and the reasons behind it.

The club believes Madrid City Council bears full responsibility for the project’s collapse. The proposed car park had been under consideration for years, alongside the wider redevelopment of the Santiago Bernabeu, and Real Madrid had already taken practical steps towards construction.

However, the scheme was halted in mid-2025 after the Madrid High Court upheld an appeal brought by a residents’ association affected by the stadium construction work.

Real Madrid argues that the project was approved with a condition stating that, if it was not completed, “Madrid City Council would be obliged to compensate the club for the damage caused”.

A company created specifically for the development, Aparcamientos del Santiago Bernabeu, is seeking the €20m. It is led by Real Madrid general manager Jose Angel Sanchez, with the sum representing the club’s estimated expenditure on planning, studies and preparatory work.

The claim marks a further escalation in the relationship between Real Madrid and the local authorities. Tensions have built over several years around redevelopment work, noise, congestion and the effect of major events on people living in the surrounding area.

FIFA inspection

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 staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

According to journalist Anton Meana of Cadena SER, meetings with the main stakeholders lasted throughout the afternoon. Representatives of the Spanish government, Madrid City Council and Real Madrid were present.

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 Spanish Football Federation. He chose not to travel to Prague for Spain’s Nations League match against the Czech Republic in order to attend the FIFA meeting.

The Spanish broadcaster said FIFA’s questions were clear and that answers were provided immediately. Spanish government representatives nevertheless stressed that the work required at the Bernabeu would be substantially different if the stadium hosted a group-stage match rather than the final.

The delegation was said to be highly impressed by the stadium. The key issue, however, is whether all of FIFA’s numerous requirements can be met and whether those overseeing the project are prepared to avoid major changes to their proposed plans.