San Siro Sale Sparks Bid-Rigging Probe and Public Outcry

Inter and AC Milan’s €197 Million San Siro Sale Faces Scrutiny

Inter and AC Milan’s €197 million acquisition of the iconic San Siro Stadium has ignited controversy and a bid-rigging investigation, overshadowing what was supposed to be a landmark moment for Italian football. Just an hour after signing the historic deed, prosecutors launched their probe—prompting sharp criticisms from both Inter president Beppe Marotta and Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala.

San Siro Sale: Inter and AC Milan Take Ownership Amid Investigation

The long-awaited transfer sees Milan and Inter gaining full control of San Siro and its surrounding land, ending 77 years of municipal ownership. This pivotal move paves the way for a new, state-of-the-art stadium, designed by Foster + Partners and MANICA Architecture, ensuring the clubs are prepared for Euro 2032 and future global events.

However, celebrations quickly turned to frustration. The Milan prosecutor’s office announced an investigation into alleged bid-rigging in the sale process. Marotta, speaking at the Football Business Forum, criticized the inquiry’s timing, saying, “The deed was signed at noon, and an hour later, the investigation opened. This is Italy.” He called the sale “a historic event” and stressed its importance in driving clubs toward financial self-sufficiency.

Officials Denounce Probe, Insist on Transparency

Mayor Giuseppe Sala echoed Marotta’s concerns, defending the city’s role and affirming that every step followed strict protocol. “We did everything right, respecting the rules. Once we received the expression of interest, we kept the tender open for the necessary time,” Sala said at a public event.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi also weighed in, emphasizing that Italy’s stadium projects—including San Siro’s redevelopment—are being conducted transparently for public benefit. He highlighted the importance of the new stadium, not only for Milan but for the nation’s sporting ambitions.

Bid-Rigging Allegations Center on Tender Process

The investigation focuses on whether alternative bidders, such as Claudio Trotta of the Si Meazza Committee, were unfairly excluded due to a short tender window. Trotta claims that “other consortiums were never given a fair chance,” prompting prosecutors to examine the sale process.

San Siro’s Legacy and a New Era for Milan and Inter

Built in 1926, the San Siro Stadium has been a symbol of Milanese identity, hosting World Cups, Champions League finals, and legendary derbies. The sale marks the end of municipal control and the dawn of private ownership, with both clubs planning to share the stadium until the new arena—accommodating 71,500 seats—is completed.

The redevelopment promises more than football: new green spaces, retail, and leisure facilities will transform the site into a vibrant entertainment hub. The clubs see the move as critical for restoring Serie A’s global competitiveness and boosting their revenue streams.

Fans Torn Between Nostalgia and Progress

Despite the optimism, some fans mourn the potential loss of the historic venue. Milan president Paolo Scaroni acknowledged the emotional resistance, stating, “It was a difficult process, not only because of bureaucracy but also because people didn’t want a new stadium out of nostalgia.” He argued that a modern stadium is essential for the clubs’ future, offering year-round activities and experiences far beyond match days.

Challenges Ahead: Legal Uncertainty and Public Resistance

The road to completing the new stadium remains fraught with obstacles. The compressed bidding timeline is at the heart of the legal probe, while public opposition to demolishing a historic landmark remains strong. Despite these hurdles, city officials maintain that the process was transparent and followed all legal requirements.

Inter and AC Milan remain committed to their vision, aiming to create a world-class venue that honors San Siro’s legacy while embracing innovation. For fans and the clubs, this moment is bittersweet—progress and nostalgia colliding as Italian football enters a new era.

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Opinion: A Turning Point for Italian Football

In my view, the San Siro sale represents both opportunity and challenge. While the investigation raises valid concerns about transparency, it’s clear that Milan and Inter’s push for modernization is vital for their European ambitions. Balancing heritage with future growth will be key, and a more transparent, inclusive process could help unite fans and officials as Italian football evolves.