Real Madrid have secured a legal victory in their dispute with a residents association over alleged noise pollution caused by concerts at the club’s renovated Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The Spanish club announced on Wednesday that a court had ruled that neither the club nor stadium administrator Jose Angel Sanchez could be held criminally responsible for noise disturbances linked to concerts hosted at the stadium.
In a statement, Real Madrid said the court “clearly and categorically concludes” that neither Sanchez nor the company operating the stadium, Real Madrid Estadio SL, bore responsibility for any criminal offence connected to the concerts.
The club added that the court determined that concert-promoting companies were responsible for ensuring compliance with permitted decibel limits.
The case stemmed from complaints by local residents who accused the stadium of generating excessive noise during music events, including performances by Taylor Swift.
In January, a Spanish judge stated that concerts held at the Bernabéu had exceeded legal noise limits and noted there were sufficient indications to investigate whether the disturbances could amount to a criminal offence.
According to reports, the proceedings targeted both the stadium management company and Jose Angel Sanchez, a close associate of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
However, the press office of Madrid’s courts reportedly said it could not officially comment on the ruling because not all parties involved had yet been formally notified.
The decision is expected to boost Real Madrid’s efforts to resume concerts and large-scale entertainment events at the stadium once additional soundproofing measures are completed.
The Bernabéu reopened in 2023 following a major renovation project reportedly worth more than €1.5 billion, with the club aiming to generate additional revenue through concerts and non-football events.
Since September 2024, several concerts originally planned for the Bernabéu have instead been relocated to Metropolitano Stadium, home of rivals Atletico Madrid.
