What Is Happening To San Siro? Serie A CEO Claims Blocking Stadium Sale Would Cause ‘Immense’ Damage

Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo believes that the sport will face ‘immense damage’ if Inter and AC Milan do not purchase the San Siro.

What Is Happening To San Siro?

Inter and AC Milan are pushing to build a new stadium in the San Siro region, with hopes of increasing their chances of competing with Europe’s elite going forward.

The two Serie A sides came together to make an official bid for the ground, as the San Siro is currently owned by the Milan City Council – meaning any decisions involving the stadium are not up to Inter or AC Milan.

Negotiations between both parties appeared to be progressing well, however, the proposition of a new stadium in the region has now hit a stumbling block as the City Council still have questions over the idea.

A factor that could play a part in the San Siro’s future is Euro 2032, as Italy are set to host the tournament alongside Turkey, but the Azzurri could miss out on hosting due to issues over a lack of up-to-date stadiums.

The San Siro is viewed as one of the most iconic stadiums in soccer history, opening in September 1926 and being used at the 1934 and 1990 World Cup.

It has also hosted some of the most famous musicians of all-time, with Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Beyonce and Ed Sheeran all performing at the stadium.

Hosting events outside of soccer could be another reason as to why the Milan City Council are skeptical, as there is no guarantee that AC or Inter will continue this – which will impact the city’s economy going forward.

Currently, Inter and AC Milan’s plans are to ‘build a new stadium adjacent to the existing structure’, as the initial idea of demolishing the stadium was viewed as impossible.

What Did Serie A CEO Say About San Siro?

The two Serie A sides are hoping to purchase the San Siro before September 19th, as both clubs are looking to start the construction plans as soon as possible.

Obviously, the idea of changing or going even further and demolishing the San Siro has split opinion, with many viewing the ground as a major monument in Italy.

The history that is held by the San Siro cannot be disputed, however, it is closing in on 100-years of existence which Inter and AC Milan view as falling behind other teams in Europe.

In the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have recently built state-of-the-art stadiums to boost the clubs’ status in Europe, while Manchester United are also preparing to create a new home.

Examples around Europe will no doubt be used as templates for the Milan-based sides and Serie A CEO, Luigi De Siervo, has claimed that immense damage could occur if the Milan City Council block the sale.

De Siervo said (Via Corriere della Sera): “The 48 city councilors called to cast their vote have an enormous responsibility. Blocking the sale of the stadium would not only cause immense reputational damage but would also mean the city losing a historic opportunity.

“This is the last chance for Milanese politics to provide the city with a facility that meets expectations. Football is changing rapidly. At this historical moment, when TV rights have little room for growth, stadium revenues make all the difference.

“The urgency can no longer be postponed. Moreover, I don’t understand all the controversy about partially demolishing the Meazza.

“Wembley was demolished and completely rebuilt, yet it continues to maintain its myth. The comparison is apt. Milan would lose the chance to have one of the three most important stadiums in Europe. It would put them alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“A wrong decision by the city council would consign Milan and Inter to a twilight phase of their history that they don’t deserve. Fewer resources, fewer top players, less competitiveness. Is that what we want?”