The mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, has sent a letter to the rector of the University of Málaga (UMA) to push for a quick decision on the location of the new Málaga CF stadium. The missive aims to speed up the report from the UMA's expert commission, formed in July, which has yet to give its opinion on the land where the Nueva Rosaleda would be built.

Municipal urgency

De la Torre hopes the university's reflection will happen "in relatively short terms" to avoid delaying the necessary steps for construction. The mayor argues for the need for a modern venue. "A stadium that can respond to the demand, for example, from season ticket holders, which the current Rosaleda has not been able to meet," explained the mayor. The City Council, together with the Junta de Andalucía and the Provincial Council, are the three owners of the current stadium and agreed after promotion to the top flight that the university area was the most suitable for the project.

The University's response

From the UMA, rector Teodomiro López Navarrete has responded cautiously to the municipal pressure. "The time that report will require? Well, I don't know. How much time did the City Council's require?" stated López Navarrete. The rector emphasised that the decision is enormously relevant, as it would exceed 1% of the budget and must be approved by the Governing Council and the Social Council, a body representing the social mass of the city and province.

Current sporting context

While negotiations advance off the pitch, the team is fighting to stabilise its performance in the competition. Málaga CF recently drew 1-1 against Celta Vigo on September 13, with a goal from Adrián Niño in the 83rd minute. This draw is part of a run of five matches without a win, with three draws and two defeats. The full season schedule is available on our fixtures page.

The official procedures for the Nueva Rosaleda have not yet started, pending this university report. The urgency from the city council contrasts with the administrative timelines required by the academic institution for a decision of such economic and institutional magnitude.

Background and full detail: Sport.es