Milan Approves San Siro Sale After 24-20 Vote

Milan’s city council voted 24-20 after an almost 12-hour debate to approve the sale of the San Siro and surrounding land to AC Milan and Inter for about €197 million, clearing a major hurdle toward demolishing the 99-year-old stadium. The clubs plan to demolish most of the existing venue while preserving a heritage section and build a new 71,500-seat stadium as part of a wider €1.2 billion urban regeneration project — including shops, hotels, a museum and green space — with architects Foster + Partners and Manica engaged. Officials say work could begin in H1 2027 and aim to complete the project around 2031 so the new arena is ready for Euro 2032. In the meantime the current San Siro will continue to host matches and is scheduled to host the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics opening ceremony. The sale must be finalized before Nov. 10 to avoid a public-building protection order, and the decision remains politically contentious with politicians, citizens’ groups and possible legal appeals still opposing the plan. AC Milan and Inter called the vote “historic and decisive,” saying a modern stadium is essential to boost matchday revenue and wider economic benefits.