Como executives sacrifice tickets for elderly supporters at historic European opener
Como's president and several directors will give up their seats for the club's first Champions League match against RB Leipzig. The tickets will be allocated to fans born in 1950 or earlier who have supported the club through all divisions. The stadium's capacity was reduced by Uefa requirements, creating a ticket shortage.
Como's rise has been remarkable given their turbulent recent history. The club went bankrupt twice within the past two decades and spent years in Italy's lower divisions before securing promotion to Serie A in 2024, ending a 21-year absence from the top flight. Under Fabregas, they finished 10th in their first season back before climbing to fourth last term to earn Champions League qualification.
The Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, situated on the shores of Lake Como, holds roughly 12,000 spectators, but Uefa's broadcasting and operational requirements reduced that figure by 1,000. Suwarso's gesture targets supporters born in 1950 or earlier who have followed the club through every division. Como's maiden European campaign includes fixtures against Manchester United, PSG, and Barcelona, with Leipzig first up on Thursday.
This gesture may resonate beyond Como's immediate fanbase, highlighting how commercial and broadcasting requirements in modern football can squeeze out long-standing supporters during historic moments. The club's decision to prioritise elderly fans could set a meaningful precedent for how newly promoted clubs handle ticket scarcity, reinforcing that loyalty and heritage hold value alongside sporting ambition. It may also strengthen community bonds in a small city, though the underlying issue of limited stadium capacity remains a structural challenge for smaller clubs entering elite European competition.