The short version
- Como president Mirwan Suwarso and other directors are giving up their tickets for the club's first-ever Champions League match to allow elderly supporters to attend.
- The decision addresses severe ticket shortages caused by UEFA operational requirements reducing the stadium capacity by one thousand seats below its standard twelve thousand limit.
- The club aims to reward loyalty by prioritizing fans born in 1950 or earlier, who have supported the team through multiple bankruptcies and divisions over the last two decades.
Como Football Club has announced a significant gesture of goodwill ahead of its historic debut in the UEFA Champions League, with president Mirwan Suwarso and several other club directors voluntarily surrendering their tickets. The executives have decided to reallocate these seats to elderly supporters, specifically targeting fans born in 1950 or earlier. This move comes as the Lombardy-based club prepares to host RB Leipzig on Thursday evening, marking the first time in its 119-year history that it has qualified for Europe’s premier continental competition.
The decision stems from a severe imbalance between ticket demand and available supply. The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, located on the shores of Lake Como, typically holds approximately 12,000 spectators. However, UEFA’s strict broadcasting and operational mandates have forced a reduction in capacity by 1,000 seats for this specific match. Consequently, the club was unable to accommodate every supporter who sought admission, leading to widespread disappointment among the fanbase eager to witness the milestone event.
Suwarso addressed the situation via Instagram, acknowledging the frustration caused by the limited availability. He stated that while the club could not host everyone, the leadership team felt compelled to make a symbolic sacrifice. By yielding their own positions, the executives hope to ensure that those who have demonstrated the most enduring loyalty get the opportunity to attend. The priority list for these reclaimed seats focuses on long-term supporters who have followed the team through every division and era of its recent turbulent history.
This gesture underscores the remarkable trajectory of Como in recent years. The club has experienced a dramatic rise from the lower tiers of Italian football to the elite level of European competition. This ascent includes ending a 21-year absence from Serie A in 2024, following a third promotion within a six-year span. The achievement is particularly notable given the club’s financial instability, having faced bankruptcy twice in the past two decades before stabilizing under Suwarso’s ownership since 2019.
The on-field success that led to this moment was driven by Cesc Fabregas, the former midfielder for Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona. Under his management, Como finished fourth in the Italian top flight last season, securing their Champions League spot after a tenth-place finish in their initial return to Serie A. Fabregas has been instrumental in transforming the squad’s performance, guiding them from mid-table obscurity to continental contention in a remarkably short period.
The upcoming match against RB Leipzig is just the beginning of a demanding schedule for the newly promoted side. Following this opener, Como will face a formidable group of opponents including Feyenoord, Manchester United, Lens, AEK Athens, Real Betis, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona. This lineup presents a steep challenge for a club that has only recently re-established itself in the top flight, testing the depth and resilience of Fabregas’s tactical approach.
The ticket allocation strategy reflects a broader effort to connect with the community that sustained the club during its lean years. By prioritizing older fans, Como is acknowledging the historical context of its resurgence. These supporters witnessed the club’s struggles in lower divisions and its financial crises, making their presence at this historic game particularly meaningful. The gesture serves as both a thank you and a recognition of the patience required to reach this stage.
As the match approaches, attention will focus on how Como manages the pressure of such a high-profile debut. The reduced capacity means that every seat carries heightened significance, not just for the attendees but for the club’s image. The decision by Suwarso and his colleagues to step aside highlights a leadership style that values fan engagement over executive privilege. This approach may help solidify support as the team navigates the intense scrutiny of European competition.
The broader implications of this debut extend beyond the immediate result against Leipzig. For Como, establishing a foothold in the Champions League represents a validation of their recent investments and strategic decisions. It also places them on a global stage, where performance will be closely monitored by scouts, fans, and rivals alike. The success or failure of this campaign could define the club’s future trajectory for years to come.
In the coming weeks, the focus will shift from ticket logistics to tactical preparation. Fabregas must ensure his squad is ready for the physical and mental demands of competing against some of Europe’s best teams. The support from the home crowd, particularly those long-time fans granted entry through this initiative, could provide a crucial advantage. As Como prepares for this new chapter, the unity between leadership and supporters appears to be a key asset in their quest for success.
Sources behind this briefing
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- BBC Sport↗Como chiefs giving up seats to older fans for Champions League debut
