Arturo Bernal, the Minister of Tourism and Global Andalusia, had initially hinted that a change in location for the Nueva Rosaleda might be considered. This sparked a wave of comments and debates. However, it has now been clarified that such an option is no longer on the table.

A brand-new stadium could mean missing out on the World Cup

Francisco de la Torre, the mayor of Málaga, addressed the topic in an interview with COPE Málaga. He firmly ruled out the possibility of deciding at this stage to build a completely new stadium from scratch in a different location within the province. If we propose something like that, the World Cup won’t happen here because we won’t make the deadline. The only way to meet the timeline is to work with what we already have, focusing on adapting it for a Málaga ready for La Liga and the Champions League, he explained.

Similar sentiments were echoed recently by Francisco Pomares, the Councilor for Housing and Urban Revitalization. Pomares noted that Málaga is following FIFA’s recommendations, which clearly state that the event should take place at La Rosaleda, not at a new stadium.

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FIFA sets the goal

Initially, it was expected that the feasibility study would be completed by the end of the year, with procedures starting in early 2025. Although Mayor de la Torre has said that the study will soon be ready, he prefers not to commit to a specific date for its release. We are analyzing all aspects, and within a few weeks, there will be clarity about whether the project will involve private financing or direct public investment, de la Torre added.

From a technical standpoint, geotechnical studies show that construction at the current stadium site is feasible. La Rosaleda has issues with comfort—it’s not a very user-friendly stadium. This is an opportunity to create a more comfortable facility that ensures complete safety for its users. Additionally, evacuation plans, external access via a plaza bridge, and expanding the stands while considering hydraulic factors will all need to be addressed. All of this is currently under review, he concluded.

A journalist, Francisco Pomares revealed that according to current plans, the project will be presented in 2025, with preliminary work beginning later that year. Major construction is scheduled to start in 2026, with the most intensive work planned for 2027 and 2028. The stadium must be completed by December 2028, as FIFA plans for Málaga to host the Club World Cup in 2029. This event will serve as a trial for eleven stadiums involved in the competition.

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