Napoli risks exclusion from Euro 2032: The club rejects the Maradona stadium and is considering a new stadium.

NNaples – A cold shower for the city and Neapolitan fans. At the end of this morning's meeting between UEFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), the City of Naples, and SSC Napoli regarding the future of the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for the 2032 European Championships, no official decision was reached.

But the statement released by Aurelio De Laurentiis's club leaves little room for optimism: the Maradona is not fit to host matches in the continental competition.

The outcome of the meeting, defined as "interlocutory" by those present, is in reality destined to cause strong institutional tensions between the blue club and the municipal administration led by the mayorGaetano Manfredi.

Napoli's statement categorically denies several press reports that claimed the redevelopment project for the current stadium had been "approved" by UEFA and the FIGC.

«UEFA – we read in the official note of the SSC Napoli – announced the stringent requirements for hosting the 2032 European Championship matches, emphasizing the necessary coordination between the club and the municipality for the project's success. The SSCN has expressed its opinion that the Maradona Stadium is unsuitable for hosting the event.

The club also claims that, after two years of technical studies, the conditions for a serious and sustainable investment in the current Fuorigrotta facility are not met. The interventions proposed by the Municipality, according to the club, would also not guarantee economic and financial sustainability or compliance with the standards required by UEFA for modern facilities.

Napoli is thinking about a new stadium

The dramatic turn of events comes at the end of the statement, where the club announces its intention to invest in a new stadium. This decision completely changes the landscape, not only for Euro 2032, but also for the very future of football in Naples.

"SSC Napoli," the statement continues, "intends to invest its own resources in the construction of a new stadium, capable of hosting European Championship matches as well. The club has already identified a deprived area of the city, where the construction of the stadium would contribute significantly—and without cost to the community—to Naples' urban regeneration plan."

This latest step sounds like a direct challenge to the municipal administration, now called upon to respond not only with regards to the project presented for Euro 2032, but also with regards to urban planning and its willingness to accept—or oppose—the project for a completely new facility.

Risk of exclusion from the European Championships

If the standoff between the City Council and SSC Napoli isn't resolved soon, Naples risks being left off the list of host cities for Euro 2032, a possibility that would have a huge impact not only on the city's image, but also on the economic and tourism opportunities associated with the event.

The game, therefore, now shifts to a political and planning level. With the shadow of an institutional failure that risks causing Naples to miss out on a historic appointment with European football.

Joseph Del Gaudio

Giuseppe Del Gaudio, a professional journalist since 1991. A lover of action films, sports, and South American culture. His motto: "Work is good, not working is tiring."