Cesc Fabregas’ Como confirm immediate stadium upgrade to avoid UEFA ban

Como have confirmed that renovations on their stadium will begin this weekend after the club qualified for Europe for the first time.

Cesc Fabregas’ side play their home matches at the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium, which currently does not comply with UEFA rules.

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The 13,602-venue, which was initially opened in 1927, last underwent major redevelopment work two years ago to fit Serie A requirements.

However, the temporary scaffold curve within the stand that houses its ultras is prohibited by UEFA guidelines in its current state.

It states: “Stands must be fixed to a load-bearing foundation and may not be based on or contain any tubular/scaffolding structures.”

Como President Mirwan Suwaso has received support from the city’s mayor, Allesandro Rapinese, to install safer concrete structures.

In addition, the club’s grass pitch will need to be widened by an extra two metres to fit UEFA’s required 68m stipulation.

That is the same length buffer that Como will also need to create between the touchline and advertising boards to play in Europe.

Como stadium update

I Lariani president Suwaso has now confirmed that his team will aim to develop Giuseppe Sinigaglia in time for next season.

“We hope so,” He told Gazzetta. “We expect to complete the refurbishment works at the end of the summer.

“The works can begin immediately after Sunday’s game against Parma.”

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Como know failure to remedy their issues for next season would force them to play home European matches at a different stadium.

Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium has been touted as a potential temporary venue, but the 21,525-capacity ground sits 150 miles from Como.

Another option could be Udinese’s Bluenergy Stadium, which recently opened its doors for talkSPORT.com.

Como, who currently sit sixth in Serie A on 65 points, stage their final home match of the season against Parma on Sunday morning.

Fabregas’ men have already sealed Europa League qualification following Inter’s win over Lazio in the Coppa Italia final.

Como can still overhaul I Nerazzurri’s neighbours, AC Milan, for Italy’s fourth and final Champions League spot with two games to go.

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Bianco Blu players trail Max Allegri’s side by just two points, and face Jamie Vardy’s Cremonese on the final day of the season this month.

“Jokes aside, we want to finish as high as possible, but we’ll take what life gives us,” the Como President, Suwaso, added.

“The Champions League is not important, as our target is to do better than the year before.”