[Portman]

Milan duo plan Champions move

Thursday 8 February, 2007 - FI

Milan and Inter could play their home Champions League fixtures away from the San Siro if the stadium does not comply with the new safety regulations.

The Italian Government approved a severe decree aimed at fighting football-related violence after a police officer was killed in Catania last Friday.

The anti-hooliganism laws include the fact that games will have to be played behind closed doors in the stadiums that do not meet the required security standards.

Only four stadiums in Serie A are in line with the regulations – Rome’s Olimpico, Palermo’s Barbera, Turin’s Olimpico, and the Artemio Franchi in Siena.

The rest, including Milan’s Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, require varying degrees of work to comply with the new safety requirements.

A special government committee will carry out a check at every Serie A stadium on Thursday before deciding which are fit to reopen to spectators this weekend.

If the committee confirms that the San Siro cannot host spectators, Inter and Milan might move their home Champions League ties to other stadiums.

Inter are considering the idea of playing the February 21 match with Valencia in Genoa or Palermo, whereas the Rossoneri might host Celtic on March 7 in France or Swizterland, where the probable solution might be the Wankdorf Stadion in Geneva.

UEFA will have to authorise the change of venue in both cases, but reports suggest that the governing body of European Football does not see any problem in granting the San Siro outfits’ request.

I dunno what to say.

[han2503]

Matarrese is San Siro optimist

The San Siro will host Champions League football again this season, Lega Calcio chief Antonio Matarrese has insisted.

Reports this morning suggested that both Milan and Inter could switch their home European ties to neutral venues due to tough new stadium regulations, but that seemingly won’t occur.

“They’ll stay at the Meazza,” noted Matarrese this evening.

“We spoke about it today and it should be possible to play, but things will be verified on Friday. A lot will depend on how things go tomorrow.

“[Milan Vice-President Adriano] Galliani and [Inter chief Massimo] Moratti have underlined that they want to play at San Siro – even if that means in front of no fans.”

Inter will play Valencia at home on February 21, while Milan – who will face Livorno on Sunday at San Siro with no tifosi – face Celtic on March 6.

Galliani had previously admitted today that Newcastle or Geneva could host their home leg, but the English club has cooled such talk.

"We did receive an enquiry about this possibility although logistically there are several difficulties," read a Magpies note.

"The calendar shows a home fixture in the UEFA Cup 24 hours later if we qualify for the last 16."

Celtic are also waiting for developments. "Unfortunately, the situation in Milan is still unresolved," read a statement from the Scottish giants.

"We have been informed that discussions between UEFA, Milan and the football authorities in Italy are currently ongoing.

"Celtic Football Club are fully aware of the frustrations which Celtic supporters will be experiencing and are doing all we can to ensure the situation is clarified as soon as possible."
Channel4

Please god let this happen (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/affection/pray.gif) (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/affection/pray.gif) (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/affection/pray.gif)

[X-Offender]

Please god let this happen (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/affection/pray.gif) (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/affection/pray.gif) (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/affection/pray.gif)

Yeah, I'm with you brother! (IMG:http://www.coolsmileys.net/affection/pray.gif)