Historic San Siro Sale Amid Controversy and Investigations

Milan and Inter have successfully concluded the €197 million (£165m/$215m) acquisition of the San Siro Stadium and its surrounding land from the Municipality of Milan, effectively ending 77 years of municipal ownership. This landmark agreement enables both Serie A clubs to advance their plans for a contemporary arena, designed by the renowned firms Foster + Partners and MANICA Architecture. Notably, Foster + Partners is also involved in the development of Manchester United’s new stadium, which is slated to become the largest football venue in the UK.

However, the celebrations were soon overshadowed by controversy. Just one hour following the signing of the deed, the Milan prosecutor’s office announced an investigation into alleged bid-rigging during the sale process. Inter president Marotta expressed his frustration at the Football Business Forum, stating, “The deed was signed at noon, and an hour later, the investigation opened. This is Italy.”

Marotta characterized the deal as “a historic event” and a “step towards financial self-sufficiency,” while criticizing the timing of the investigation as emblematic of Italy’s sluggish bureaucracy compared to the efficiency observed elsewhere in Europe.

He was not alone in his concerns. Milan’s mayor, recently returned from Brazil, addressed the investigation for the first time, affirming the city’s adherence to regulations throughout the transaction. “We did everything right, respecting the rules. Once we received the expression of interest, we kept the tender open for the necessary time,” Mayor Sala stated during the “Lombardy at the Heart of the Olympic Challenge” event.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi echoed these sentiments, stressing that Italy’s ongoing infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of the San Siro and preparations for Euro 2032, have been conducted transparently and serve the public interest. “Suddenly, something is happening that hasn’t occurred for 30 years, and it doesn’t just concern Euro 2032: in Italy, we have numerous active construction sites that we will manage with the extraordinary commissioner Sessa. What has been accomplished in Milan holds significant value beyond its economic implications, as it aims to improve both the city and the nation, countering any political or judicial attempts to undermine this progress.”

The investigation focuses on whether alternative bidders, such as promoter Claudio Trotta from the Si Meazza Committee, were unjustly excluded from the bidding process due to an unusually short tender window. Trotta has alleged that “other consortiums were never given a fair chance,” prompting prosecutors to initiate formal inquiries.

The San Siro sale signifies the conclusion of 77 years of municipal governance and heralds a new era of private ownership in Italian football. Designed in 1926 and expanded over the years, the San Siro, officially known as the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, has been the venue for World Cups, Champions League finals, and numerous local derbies, becoming a cherished symbol of Milanese identity.

According to the terms of the sale, both clubs will continue to share the existing stadium until the anticipated completion of the new 71,500-seat arena, expected before Euro 2032. The redevelopment plan incorporates green spaces, retail areas, and leisure facilities, transforming the site into a modern entertainment hub.

Both Milan and Inter view this development as crucial for enhancing Serie A’s global competitiveness. Their joint statement heralded the acquisition as “a new chapter for the city of Milan and Italian football.” For fans, however, the progress comes with a sense of nostalgia.

Despite the ongoing investigation, club leaders assert that the new stadium is essential for increasing revenue streams, a necessity in today’s increasingly commercialized sports landscape. Milan president Paolo Scaroni acknowledged the emotional resistance to the project, stating, “It was a challenging process, not only due to bureaucracy but also because many people were reluctant to embrace a new stadium out of nostalgia. However, if someone wishes to visit San Siro when there are no matches, it feels eerily deserted. We want a stadium that can host events every day.”

While the investigation looms overhead, both clubs are determined to move forward. The new stadium project, estimated to cost between €1.2 billion and €1.5 billion, aims to meet UEFA’s highest standards, generate year-round revenue, and reflect sustainability goals. Designed by world-famous architects, the new arena will retain elements paying homage to the original San Siro while adopting a modern, fan-focused approach.

Despite the optimism surrounding the project, challenges remain. The demolition of such an iconic landmark has faced public pushback, and potential legal uncertainties could delay construction. The expedited bidding timeline, which lasted just over a month, continues to be a focal point of the ongoing investigation. Nonetheless, city officials insist that the process was “transparent and compliant with all legal and procedural requirements.”