UEFA forced to block venue from hosting future Champions League final due to 'uncertainty'
UEFA have been forced into a change.
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Topics: UEFA, Champions League, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Football
Ryan Smart
Topics: UEFA, Champions League, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Football
UEFA have been forced to change the proposed venue of a future Champions League final after key concerns were raised.
The first Champions League final under the new format will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with the 2026 final set for the Puskas Arena in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.
For 2027, UEFA appeared likely to assign the staging of its showpiece event to the San Siro in Milan.
The stadium had hosted the 2016 final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid - one of many high-profile matches in its illustrious history.
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But UEFA have decided against giving the stadium the 2027 final due to uncertainties over the use of the stadium in that particular year.
There have been plans to renovate San Siro in the coming years, although Reuters reported earlier this month that both Inter Milan and AC Milan - who both play in the stadium - believed such plans were 'not feasible'.
However, there is a possibility that the stadium may require work ahead of Euro 2032 being hosted by Italy.
The country has also won hosting rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which could also have an impact on plans for San Siro.
The Athletic report that UEFA have been concerned over a 'lack of clarity' surrounding the stadium's refurbishment plans.
In particular, they are said to be worried over whether any refurbishment plans would impact on the stadium during 2027, and therefore on its hosting of the final.
As a result, UEFA will now re-open the bidding process to find a suitable host for the final after a decision was reached by its Executive Committee on Tuesday.
An official UEFA statement reads: "As the Municipality of Milano could not guarantee that the San Siro and its surroundings would not be affected by refurbishments, it was today decided to re-open the bidding process for the 2027 UEFA Champions League final.
"A decision on the new host is expected to be made in May/June 2025."