MILAN: The iconic San Siro stadium is set for demolition after Milan city hall approved its sale to Inter and AC Milan, clearing the way for a €1.2 billion (about RM59.3 billion) redevelopment project.
Following more than 11 hours of debate, councillors voted 24–20 in favour of the €197 million sale, handing ownership of the stadium and 28 hectares of surrounding land to the two clubs, both controlled by American investment funds.
The clubs plan to build a 71,500-seat modern arena on adjacent land, designed by Foster and Partners and MANICA, while San Siro will eventually be demolished to make way for parkland, office space, and entertainment facilities. Inter and Milan will continue to play at San Siro until 2031, when the new stadium is expected to be ready.
The decision followed years of uncertainty, with both clubs threatening to leave Milan if the sale was not approved. Political opposition was strong, with councillors from the League, Brothers of Italy, and even members of the ruling coalition voting against the plan, criticising the price and lack of development details.
Still, the vote was welcomed by Italy’s football federation, which hopes Milan’s new venue can be included among stadiums for Euro 2032. – AFP
