The new San Siro project is back in the spotlight, but this time not because of its design or the clubs’ ambitions. The stadium sale process is raising serious concerns, with prosecutors now involved. What consequences could this bring?

Construction of a new stadium in Milan and growing legal controversies

The project to build a new stadium for Inter Milan and AC Milan has for years been one of the most ambitious infrastructure undertakings in Europe. It involves not only the construction of a modern sports venue but also a broad urban transformation of the entire San Siro area. The new stadium is intended to be more functional, energy-efficient, and aligned with modern commercial standards, allowing the clubs to increase revenues and compete with Europe’s biggest brands. At the same time, the project предусматриes partial demolition of the current stadium and redevelopment of the space for residential, office, and recreational purposes.

However, the current investigation could significantly affect the pace of the investment. If irregularities are confirmed, delays are possible, along with the need to repeat procedures or even change the entire implementation model. A key element of the investigation is the analysis of the administrative procedure that led to the sale of the stadium. The city of Milan chose to rely on provisions of the so-called stadium law, which made it possible to avoid a traditional public tender.

Instead, a mechanism known as an act equivalent to a tender was used—essentially a public notice inviting investment proposals. Prosecutors are examining whether this document, published in March 2025, was prepared in a way that favored specific entities, namely Inter Milan and AC Milan. If it turns out that the participation conditions were tailor-made, this could indicate a violation of competition principles and equal treatment of investors. Such allegations are among the most serious in the context of public procurement and could lead to the annulment of the entire procedure.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak | Prosecutors are investigating the sale of San Siro, examining whether the administrative process favored Inter and AC Milan.

Disclosure of confidential information about the San Siro project in 2021–2023

Another important thread of the investigation concerns suspected leaks of confidential information. Investigators point to at least two cases in which draft resolutions or their fragments may have been shared with advisors working with the clubs before their official publication.

Evidence in this matter is based mainly on the analysis of electronic communications—text messages, emails, and chats. These materials are expected to help determine whether informal arrangements took place between public administration representatives and the private sector. If confirmed, this would constitute a serious breach of confidentiality and transparency principles, further undermining the credibility of the entire project.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak | The investigation also covers suspected leaks of confidential documents related to the stadium project between 2021 and 2023.

List of individuals under investigation in the Milan stadium case

The investigation covers a wide group of individuals connected to both the public administration and the private sector. Among them are high-ranking officials responsible for the stadium sale process and urban planning.

The list also includes advisors working with the clubs and representatives of the boards of Inter Milan and AC Milan. The scope of the investigation shows that prosecutors are analyzing the entire decision-making chain—from document preparation, through negotiations, to the finalization of the transaction. Additionally, searches and the seizure of electronic devices indicate that the investigation is at an advanced stage and may soon bring further findings.

© Grzegorz Kaliciak | If irregularities are confirmed, the project could face delays or require the entire procedure to be repeated.

Redevelopment of the San Siro district in Milan and conflict of public interests

The project to redevelop the area around San Siro has sparked controversy from the beginning. On one hand, it promises significant economic revitalization, new jobs, and improved urban infrastructure. On the other, there are concerns about excessive commercialization of space and the marginalization of residents’ interests.

Critics argue that the investment could lead to rising property prices and a change in the character of the district. Questions are also being raised about whether decisions made by city authorities were fully independent or influenced by private investors’ interests. The investigation therefore has not only a legal dimension but also a social one—it concerns the way urban space is managed and the balance between public and private interests.

At this stage, it is difficult to clearly assess what consequences the investigation will have for the future of San Siro and the planned investment. City authorities emphasize that there are no corruption charges and that administrative actions were carried out in accordance with applicable regulations and in the public interest. However, the scale of the investigation and the number of individuals involved suggest that the case may have long-term implications. Possible outcomes include delays, structural changes to the project, or even the need to reassess the entire sale process.

For Inter Milan and AC Milan, the stakes are enormous—it is not only about a new stadium but also about the financial and sporting future of both clubs. For the city of Milan, it is a test of transparency and the effectiveness of managing one of the most important investments of recent years.