FC Elche prohibits sunflower seeds: cleanliness is going on!

FC Elche prohibits sunflower seeds: cleanliness is going on!

Elche, Spanien - The FC Elche has decided to prohibit the consumption of sunflower seeds (pipas) in the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero. This step will take effect from May 10, 2025, 6:30 p.m. The stadium, which offers space for around 32,000 spectators, has had to struggle with serious problems in terms of cleanliness and infrastructure in the past.

The association leadership attributes the ban to several unpleasant aspects. Spitting shells of the sunflower seeds have not only led to clogged drains, but also damaged seats and surfaces and even promoted the attraction of rats and pigeons. These hygienic problems could not have been solved by complex cleaning measures, which increased the cleaning costs. With this measure, FC Elche primarily pursues the goal of maintaining and improving the common space for all fans.

sustainability and hygiene

In addition to protection against contamination, the ban also aims to create a sustainable and hygienic environment in the stadium. FC Elche appeals to the solidarity of its fans to secure the quality of life in their common space. The decision follows the example of FC Valencia, which already took similar measures in the Mestalla Stadium last year.

Although the ban could initially be perceived as a restriction, it is part of a greater commitment to hygiene and environmental protection in sport. As can be seen from surveys, fans attach great importance to cleanliness in stadiums. A survey of 5,326 Bundesliga fans shows that the aspect of cleanliness in the stadium is consistently important with an average grade of 1.77, while sanitary facilities even received an average grade of 1.25-a strong indication of the need for action in this area.

hygiene concepts in sports facilities

The measures of FC Elche are in line with a changing awareness of hygiene and cleanliness in sports facilities. 52% of fans demand more investments in hygienic measures and more importance for waste prevention and separation. These developments show that an increasing awareness of hygiene in stadiums is essential. FC Elche makes a contribution to this consciousness and relies on an overall concept for improving hygiene, which also includes contactless hand hygiene.

With the ban on sunflower seeds in Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, FC Elche not only pursues short -term improvements, but also a sustainable strategy for ensuring hygiene and cleanliness, which is becoming increasingly important in modern sports facilities. Fans can be excited to see how this decision will affect the stadium experience.

For more information on this topic, read the reports of , rtl and Stadionwelt .