Another episode of Italian bureaucracy is turning into a comedy-drama. Despite the project being a key step in the development of Sardinia's sporting infrastructure, the successive delays and lack of clear answers from the regional authorities are creating more and more controversy. Where is the problem?

Italy's protracted bureaucracy

The story of the new Stadio Cagliari is an example of how bureaucratic complexities can affect the implementation of strategic projects. Back in June 2024, Cagliari Calcio submitted a set of documents needed to launch a key services conference, which was to be held under the aegis of the Regional Environmental Assessment Service. The conference was planned to be convened in August, but was eventually postponed until October, delaying the whole process. What's more, after the October meeting, there were new demands for additional documentation.

Alessandra Zedda and Ferdinando Secchi, city councillors for the Lega, accuse the regional president, Alessandra Todde, of a lack of interest and inaction on the issue. According to their statements, since the submission of the documentation by Cagliari Calcio, the mayor has not issued any binding decision, despite the fact that the investment has been long awaited by residents and fans.

© Cagliari Calcio

Uncertainty surrounding the financing of Stadio Cagliari

One of the most serious allegations made against President Todde is the lack of information about the €50 million that was supposed to be allocated for the construction of the stadium. These funds, although allocated by the previous committee, the regional authorities are silent on their availability. Alessandro Sorgia, regional councillor, directly accuses Todde of tardiness and lack of communication regarding the relaunch of the programme agreement, which should confirm or update previous arrangements.

We can no longer tolerate waiting for the fans and residents of Cagliari. The delay is jeopardising a fundamental project for the city and the whole of sporting Sardinia, the councillors stress.

© Cagliari Calcio

Delays to continue?

According to earlier assurances from the city authorities, once the business plan for the new stadium had been assessed, the project was to be put out to international tender. If the legislative timeframe had been adhered to in Italy, the demolition of the existing Sant'Elia was planned for mid-2025, with construction of the new facility to begin later that year. Unfortunately, as local councillors point out, these declarations have remained on paper and the lack of progress in negotiations with the region prevents the project from going ahead at this point. According to Alessandro Sorgia, the lack of communication concerns not only the stadium issue, but also other key projects such as the Pratobello law.