Champions League final relocated after San Siro hosting loss

Uefa has decided to strip Milan of its hosting rights for the 2027 Champions League final due to concerns over the San Siro stadium's ability to remain unaffected by ongoing refurbishment work. This decision marks a significant shift for the iconic venue, which was set to host its first final in over a decade. The last time the San Siro hosted the final was in 2016, when Real Madrid triumphed over Atletico Madrid in a penalty shootout. The governing body of European football announced that the Municipality of Milano could not guarantee the stadium's readiness for the event, prompting Uefa to reopen the bidding process for a new host city. A decision regarding the new venue is expected to be made in May or June of 2025. This move highlights the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the San Siro, which is home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan. In recent years, discussions have been ongoing about the potential renovation or replacement of the San Siro to ensure it remains competitive with other modern stadiums across Europe. The stadium has a rich history, having previously hosted significant matches, including the 2001 final between Bayern Munich and Valencia. As Uefa seeks a suitable alternative for the prestigious final, the decision underscores the challenges faced by historic venues in adapting to modern requirements and the importance of ensuring that infrastructure can meet the demands of high-profile events.