The Atletico Madrid Metropolitano Stadium has been 'leaked' as the new host for the 2027 Champions League final after the San Siro was stripped of its hosting rights
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Jordan Henderson lifts the Champions League trophy after Liverpool's victory in 2019
Jordan Henderson lifts the Champions League trophy after Liverpool's victory in 2019
(Image: PA)
The race to host the 2027 Champions League final has taken a twist after the San Siro was unexpectedly dropped from its hosting duties. Initially set to showcase the event as confirmed in May 2024, UEFA had also locked in Budapest's Puskas Arena for the 2026 showdown.
But come September, UEFA had to backtrack on their Milan plans due to "refurbishment works" concerns, promising a new venue would be announced by June 2025.
UEFA expressed their position clearly: "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."
Yet whispers suggest UEFA might have already picked a winner despite Atletico Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium and Baku Olympic Stadium throwing their hats into the ring.
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Rafael Louzan, head honcho at the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), seems confident, telling Marca via Football Espana: "This year, Spain has the Europa League final at San Mames, we're also guaranteed the 2027 Champions League final at the Metropolitano in Madrid, and why not ask, with our support, for Seville to host one of the upcoming European finals in this stadium?
"I've been with [UEFA president Aleksander] Ceferin two or three times, and we'll ask him about the possibility of Seville hosting a city because we have the venue, the city, and a fantastic hotel infrastructure to host events of this nature."
The Metropolitano last staged the Champions League final in 2019 when Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, thanks to scoring from Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi, so the Reds will be aiming for a direct repeat in two years' time.
Nonetheless, the Metropolitano might not feature any matches for the 2030 World Cup, which will primarily be held in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. However, some fixtures will also take place in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Initially listed as one of the 11 venues by the RFEF, the Metropolitano's position is potentially shifting, according to Louzan, who indicated that they are ready to bow out in favour of Valencia's Nou Mestella, reports the Mirror.
"Atletico Madrid have said that, once again very generously, they would be willing, even if necessary, to give up their space so that Valencia could be one of the eleven venues currently granted to Spain," Louzan further disclosed.