AC Milan President Paolo Scaroni expressed confidence that the sale of San Siro stadium to AC Milan and Inter Milan will receive approval in an upcoming vote. He emphasized the significance of this decision, stating that a failure to approve the sale would be detrimental to the clubs, the city of Milan, Italy, and Italian football as a whole.
The iconic San Siro stadium is set to host a crucial match between AC Milan and Napoli, with a packed crowd expected. However, the real focus is on the following day`s vote by the local council, which will determine whether the land surrounding San Siro will be sold to Inter and Milan. This decision is pivotal for the clubs` plans to construct a new stadium and eventually demolish the existing Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Scaroni views this vote as the culmination of a long-standing effort, expressing hope that the local authorities will make a decision that benefits both clubs and Italian football in general. He stated, “This is a crucial stage, and I hope it will be resolved tomorrow.”
The debate leading up to the vote has been intense, with the outcome expected to be close. One of the main concerns raised is the perceived lack of transparency regarding the ownership of the two clubs, both of which are controlled by American investment funds – RedBird for AC Milan and Oaktree for Inter Milan.
Addressing these concerns, Scaroni clarified, “AC Milan`s ownership structure is straightforward. We are owned by RedBird, which in turn is owned by Gerry Cardinale, a familiar face to all of us. I don`t understand the claims about lack of transparency. Inter will address their own situation, but it`s not dissimilar to ours.”
Scaroni concluded with a note of optimism, stating, “We are confident because if problems were to arise, it would be a defeat for everyone involved: the clubs, Milan, Italy, and Italian football. I can`t imagine anyone willing to take responsibility for causing such widespread damage.”