Football stadium dubbed world's most beautiful could be banned as club face 150-mile move
A 99-year-old stadium could be banned from European competition next season due to stringent rules.
Serie A outfit Como could be forced to play their home fixtures elsewhere should they secure a place in European football. The Italian club have clinched their passage into the Conference League next season after beating Hellas Verona on Sunday.
It has been a remarkable campaign for the underdogs, who are guided by former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas. Competing in Europe represents a tremendous feat for a club that was plying its trade in the second division as recently as 2024. Yet the accomplishment could trigger logistical headaches owing to their breathtaking Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium falling short of UEFA requirements. The ground, which sits on the shores of Lake Como, has been hailed by some as the "world's most beautiful stadium."
Having first opened in 1927, it underwent refurbishment in order to satisfy the standards required for top-flight Italian football. UEFA inspectors visited the ground in April to evaluate its suitability for European competition.
They highlighted concerns over the temporary scaffold curve, where the club's ultras are housed, with UEFA regulations compelling Como to permanently resolve the issue. The regulations state that "stands must be fixed to a load-bearing foundation and may not be based on or contain any tubular/scaffolding structures."
Club president Mirwan Suwaso has received backing from Como's mayor to construct a permanent structure this summer. Not only will the pitch need to be widened from 66 metres to UEFA's required 68m, but a two-metre buffer will have to be created between the touchline and advertising boards.
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An agreement with local residents will also need to be reached, with locals concerned about the impact European football will have on increased traffic and road infrastructure. Should the work fail to be completed in time for a European campaign next season, Como will be required to find an alternative ground.
Among the potential venues being considered is Sassuolo's Mapei Stadium, which is a staggering 150 miles away from Como. Udinese's Bluenergy Stadium has also been put forward as a possible alternative. The iconic San Siro, jointly owned by AC Milan and Inter Milan, will not be available to Como due to the scheduling conflicts that would arise from three clubs sharing the same ground.
Fabregas has managed Como since 2024 and even holds a financial stake in the club. Given the remarkable strides he has made as a manager, the former Spain international has already been linked with Premier League positions, with some tipping him as a future successor to Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
