The status of the San Siro has been a long-running saga, with the city's two biggest football clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan initially proposing to demolish it and reconstruct a stadium on the same site after it hosts the Opening Ceremony at the next Winter Olympics.

However, the iconic 80,000-capacity venue appears to have been saved following political opposition and the Regional Commission for the Cultural Heritage of Lombardy's ruling it cannot be torn down due to its "cultural interest".

AC Milan and Inter Milan have been groundsharing the San Siro since 1947, and have leased the stadium from Milan City Council until 2030.

Despite the San Siro's future appearing secure, AC Milan have pressed ahead with plans to move, presenting an urban development proposal to San Donato Milanese Town Council.

It is claimed by AC Milan the new venue would be "the most sustainable stadium in Italy and one of the most sustainable in Europe" through energy-saving measures, the use of renewable energy and a water recycling system, and a "benchmark for accessibility".

Kansas City-based Manica Architecture has been tasked with developing plans for the stadium and a wider entertainment district, with CAA Icon selected as project manager.

A full plan for the stadium is expected at a later stage of the process.

AC Milan also hope a club headquarters, hotel, club shop and museum can be based at the new site.

"For over four years, we have embarked with conviction on a journey aimed at giving our club one of the best stadiums of the world, which is able to accompany us into a victorious and sustainable future," AC Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni said.

"This represents a preliminary step in the evolution of this process but, at the same time, it is further proof of our ownership's commitment to guaranteeing continuous growth for AC Milan both on and off the pitch."

Inter Milan are also seeking a move away from the San Siro, earmarking a site in Assago to the south of Milan.

The San Siro hosted matches at the 1934 and 1990 men's FIFA World Cups and the 1980 men's UEFA European Championship.

However, both of its tenants are believed to consider the cost of renovation too expensive and have sought a move elsewhere.

The Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony is due to be held at the San Siro on February 6 2026.