Como stadium push collides with legal and fan resistance

Como’s accelerated redevelopment of the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is nearing completion, but the project has become the focus of challenges over planning procedures and the club’s approach to managing scarce ticket inventory.The new stand behind one goal is around 80% complete after work began in May, with Como financing the project to improve the stadium and meet UEFA requirements following their qualification for the Champions League.Como president Mirwan Suwarso said: “Demand for tickets far exceeds supply and, for that reason, I asked the club to find ways to ensure tickets for the Sinigaglia end up in the hands of genuine Como supporters, those who want to be there to back the team.“There have been too many occasions when away fans have celebrated inside our home sections, while Como supporters, who would have proudly backed the team, were unable to get a ticket.”The construction programme includes a prefabricated concrete stand supported by deep foundations, with Como targeting completion in September after scheduling their first three league fixtures away from home.Champions League matches are expected to be played at Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium because the Sinigaglia does not yet meet UEFA standards, limiting Como’s ability to maximise revenue from their first appearance in the competition.A local citizens’ committee has submitted a 21-page challenge questioning whether permanent structural works were authorised through an appropriate planning process, with the group calling for construction to be suspended and inspected.Supporter opposition has also focused on rules allowing Como to remove renewal priority from season-ticket holders who miss more than three home matches without notifying the club or providing a valid reason.Suwarso said: “Failing to meet the minimum number of required matches does not mean the season ticket will be revoked during the current season. It simply means losing the right to renew the season ticket for the following season.”The club could also refuse renewal priority if a seat is regularly transferred to opposing supporters, while away colours will be prohibited for season-ticket holders outside designated sections.Suwarso said: “Naturally, this requirement does not apply to children. We have no interest in ruining the experience of a child who wants to support their idols, regardless of which team they play for.”Como must now complete the stand while answering legal questions and convincing supporters that tighter controls are necessary to maximise attendance at one of Serie A’s smallest grounds.