Real Zaragoza is under pressure concerning the €10 million payment deadline for the New Romareda stadium in 2025. Failure to meet this financial obligation could trigger significant penalties, placing the stadium project’s future in jeopardy. The Aragon government, however, has expressed confidence in the club’s commitment to fulfill its obligations. Recent modifications to the partners’ pact, in response to past payment shortfalls, outline potential financial consequences and revised contributions from various stakeholders. The article delves into the details of the payment structure. Delve into the details of the stadium’s construction timeline and explore strategies for mitigating costs. Read more at News Directory 3 and discover how Real Zaragoza plans to handle potential revenue from stadium events.What pivotal developments are on the horizon?
Real Zaragoza Faces Penalties Over New romareda Stadium Payment
Updated June 16, 2025
Real Zaragoza of Spain’s Segunda División faces potential penalties if it fails to make a scheduled €10 million payment in 2025 toward the construction of the New Romareda stadium. Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, the Aragon region’s finance minister, addressed the issue in the Courts of Aragon, affirming confidence that the club will honor its commitment.
The payment represents Real Zaragoza’s contribution to the mixed society overseeing the stadium project, which includes the Zaragoza City Council and the Aragon government. While Bermúdez de Castro voiced assurance,he also stated,”If you do not pay,you will have to take some measure.”
In 2024, Real Zaragoza did not contribute nearly €7 million as initially agreed, leading to modifications in the Partners’ Pact. The Aragon government and Zaragoza City Council assumed greater financial responsibility within the society to keep the stadium project on track. To date, the club has contributed €6 million, along with the purchase of the project from idom.
The revised pact includes penalties for any of the three partners failing to meet their obligations. It also establishes a possible payment of €16 million each for credits that may be needed for circulation,if not granted this year,then the following year.
Bermúdez de Castro noted that none of the partners have yet made their corresponding contributions for 2025. However, he said the Aragon government will contribute €3.5 million in the coming days. The City of Zaragoza is expected to contribute €9 million, with further contributions of €11 million planned for both 2026 and 2027, followed by approximately €7.4 million in 2028.
According to Bermúdez de Castro, construction of the new stadium remains on schedule. The society anticipates revenue from stadium activities, including three or four concerts per year, and income from tertiary use plots. A study was commissioned to KPMG to explore synergies with congresses and cultural events, possibly generating €10 million to €20 million to offset stadium costs.
Regarding potential cost overruns, bermúdez de Castro said that the committed €160 million—compared to a €250 million stadium in Malaga—should be sufficient. Measures have been implemented to maximize cost efficiency, such as reusing existing lighting, sound systems and benches.He also clarified that value-added tax is deductible, mitigating its impact on the stadium’s overall expense.
Opposition parliamentary groups have questioned the stadium project’s structure.Bermúdez de Castro defended the project, stating that the previous stadium was inadequate and among the worst in Spain. He criticized the paralysis of the previous model, which led to the formation of the new mixed society.
What’s next
The coming months will be critical as Real Zaragoza approaches the 2025 payment deadline. The Aragon government’s commitment and the potential revenue streams from stadium operations will be key to the project’s financial stability.
