UEFA secretary Giorgio Marchetti explains why San Siro was revoked for the 2027 Champions League Final and admits ‘things need to happen’ for Italy to host EURO 2032.
The decision had been in the air and finally confirmed this week, as the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza – where Inter and Milan play their home games – will no longer be the venue for the prestigious Champions League Final in 2027.
“The nomination had been suspended awaiting the confirmation there would not be work performed on the stadium at San Siro,” explained vice-secretary general of UEFA Marchetti.
“Unfortunately, the local authorities in Milan were unable to guarantee the stadium would be completely clear and in its current configuration.
“Consequently, we could not assign the Final there. Milan is a great city and San Siro an iconic stadium. Obviously, we are not happy that we cannot proceed, but the assignation was subordinated to confirmation that the stadium would be available.”
Italy hope to keep 2027 Champions League Final
The FIGC has already suggested they could propose keeping the Champions League Final on Italian soil for 2027, but using the Stadio Olimpico in Rome instead.
“UEFA will open up the process for candidates over the next few days. If Italy wants to participate by proposing a suitable and available venue for 2027, it can do so, but we must all follow the formal process,” responded Marchetti.
This does not bode well for the fact Italy are set to co-host the EURO 2032 tournament along with Turkey, a competition the Peninsula was originally hoping to cover alone, but could not guarantee 10 stadiums up to code.
With the delays continuing over Milan, Inter, Roma, Lazio and Fiorentina stadium projects, even getting five ready might be a stretch.
“We know that there are some things that need to happen and we hope they will happen,” concluded the UEFA secretary.