The Milan City Council has formally approved the proposal to sell the San Siro stadium and its adjacent land to AC Milan and Inter. This significant decision paves the way for both clubs to proceed with their ambitious project: largely demolishing the existing iconic stadium and constructing a cutting-edge, modern arena in its place.
The approval for the sale of the San Siro area to AC Milan and Inter came on Monday night, following a vote where 24 councillors supported the motion, while 20 voted against it.
The council meeting during which the vote took place featured animated discussions and impassioned arguments. While several councillors from the Democratic Party caucus voted in favor of the proposal, other members openly criticized club presidents Beppe Marotta and Paolo Scaroni.
One particular councillor reportedly lambasted the presidents, calling them “ancient” in response to their previous critiques of the political process.
Abstentions Prove Crucial for San Siro Vote
Forza Italia, a political party, announced its decision to abstain from the vote. Despite acknowledging perceived flaws in the proposal, the party highlighted the potential benefits of the €1.2 billion project, emphasizing its capacity to stimulate job creation, enhance local infrastructure, and contribute significantly to urban regeneration within the city.
Ultimately, these abstentions played a vital role in the proposal`s success, effectively lowering the number of `yes` votes required to reach a majority and secure approval.
This landmark approval allows Inter and AC Milan to move forward decisively with their plans for a new, privately-owned stadium on the historic San Siro site. This resolution brings an end to decades of uncertainty surrounding the future of the famous venue.
During the voting session, various amendments to the proposal were discussed and considered. These included provisions to ensure the new stadium project meets stringent accessibility criteria and incorporates initiatives aimed at boosting environmental sustainability.
