UEFA is poised to relocate the 2027 Champions League final from its original location after revoking the hosting rights from the famous San Siro stadium.
The iconic Italian ground, shared by AC Milan and Inter, was slated to host the prestigious European football event in three years’ time. But due to a failure to provide assurances against potential disruptions from planned refurbishments, the San Siro has been deemed unsuitable for the fixture. UEFA now faces the task of identifying an alternate venue capable of meeting the high standards required for the Champions League finale.
This decision came about following the Municipality of Milan’s inability to confirm that the San Siro stadium and its vicinity would remain unaffected by the imminent renovation works. A statement said: “Municipality of Milano could not guarantee that the San Siro stadium and its surroundings would not be affected by refurbishment works.”
Jointly supported by AC Milan and Inter Milan, the stadium is on course for a major overhaul. The iconic ground, which boasts seating for over 75,000 fans, is expected to undergo modernisation as part of preparations for Euro 2032.
Italy, alongside Turkey, is vying to host the tournament and it has been decreed that the San Siro must be brought up to date in order to host the matches. The iconic stadium has been the backdrop for some of football’s most memorable moments since its doors opened nearly a century ago. It was the setting for the Champions League final in 2001 and again in 2016.
It also hosted the European Cup finals in 1965 and 1970, with the latter seeing Inter Milan clinch the title.
The San Siro has also seen World Cup action in 1934 and 1990, as well as hosting three group stage matches at the Euros in 1980. The stadium is set to be the venue for the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in 2026, which will be held in Milan and its environs.
UEFA have yet to announce the location for the 2027 Champions League final but have stated that a decision will be reached by June next year.