Explained: Why San Siro has been stripped of 2027 Champions League final hosting rights

The Milan stadium, which last hosted a Champions League final in 2016 when Real Madrid pipped Atletico in a penalty shootout to lift the trophy, was scheduled to host another final in 2027, however, ESPN reports that the UEFA has re-opened the bidding process after stripping the Italian venue of hosting rights.

UEFA announced San Siro as the 2027 host venue on the condition that the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) submitted a proposal to undertake a multi-million-pound renovation of the iconic stadium. The plan, however, remains uncertain with Serie A giants AC Milan and Inter planning to shift to a new venue. If funds cannot be arranged for the refurbishment, San Siro could be demolished. Amid confusion over the status of the stadium, the apex body decided to shift the final venue.

The official statement from UEFA read, "As the Municipality of Milano could not guarantee that the San Siro stadium and its surroundings would not be affected by refurbishment works in the period of the 2027 UEFA Champions League final, it was decided not to assign the final to Milan and to re-open the bidding process to appoint a suitable venue, with a decision expected in May/June 2025."

The Milan giants will be back in action in the Serie A this weekend. While the Rossoneri take on Lecce on Friday, a day later, reigning champions Inter will face Udinese.