An Iconic football stadium in Europe has been sold, paving the way for the former Champions League final venue to be destroyed.
Milan's city council has approved the sale of the San Siro stadium to Inter and AC Milan for £197million. The vote enables both Serie A clubs to proceed with plans to construct a new 71,500-seat arena on the site.
The ruling concludes extensive negotiations about the stadium's future and grants the two clubs complete ownership of the ground they have shared as tenants.
The agreement permits them to demolish the existing structure and develop a modern facility featuring advanced technology and enhanced commercial capabilities, allowing them to compete with leading European venues.
The iconic San Siro Stadium has been sold to AC Milan and Inter Milan in the first step towards demolition
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The San Siro, formally named Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, has served as a cathedral of Italian football since its inauguration in 1926.
The venue has witnessed numerous historic occasions, from World Cup matches to memorable Champions League finals in 1965, 1970, 2001 and most recently in 2016 when Real Madrid triumphed over Atletico Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo converting the winning penalty.
The stadium's architectural features, including its iconic spiral staircases and imposing concrete structure, have become synonymous with Milan's football heritage.
Despite undergoing renovations for the 1990 World Cup, the facility has fallen behind contemporary European stadiums in technological capabilities and spectator amenities.
Inter and Milan have engaged architectural firms Foster + Partners and Manica to create the design for the replacement venue, which will be integrated into an extensive urban regeneration scheme.
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The San Siro has held numerous incredible football matches
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The development will encompass not only the sporting facility but also commercial and residential properties as part of a comprehensive transformation of the area.
The project has been under consideration since 2019, though progress was hindered by resistance from political figures, conservation advocates and neighbourhood organisations who regarded the stadium as a sacred monument to Italian football.
The city council's endorsement represents a breakthrough after years of stalled negotiations, potentially accelerating the timeline for demolition.
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The protracted dispute over the San Siro's fate has finally been resolved, with the council's decision overcoming years of political resistance and preservation campaigns.
The development signals a transformative period for Milanese football, as both clubs prepare to abandon their shared home of nearly a century.
Supporters remain divided over the stadium's demolition, with some lamenting the destruction of what they consider a sacred footballing monument.
Real Madrid were the last team to lift the Champions League at the San Siro
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Others welcome the prospect of a venue equipped for modern competition, believing the new facility will enhance both clubs' ability to rival Europe's premier teams.
The sale marks the definitive end of an era for one of football's most recognisable grounds.