Lega Board Postpones Bologna-Milan Match Amid Controversy

Table of Contents

After having explored the Como and Empoli solutions, the Lega Board of Directors decided to postpone. Satisfaction for Bologna, who pushed for no. The president of the League with a joke: “There would be December 25th, let’s evaluate”. The president of Milan: “The mayor has banned closed doors, I don’t understand why”. Theo Hernandez and Reijnders miss Napoli



Luca Bianchin and Matteo Dalla Vite

25 October 2024 (change at 5.14pm) – MILAN

Live

Bologna-Milan will not be played over the weekend: the League has decided to postpone it after an excited morning, full of twists and turns. Now the problem remains of deciding when to play, with the first dates available in 2025.

the day

In the morning the League attempted to find an alternative venue for the match. The first news came from Bologna. After a meeting in which Mayor Matteo Lepore maintained his position, with Prefect Visconti also present, it was decided not to play at the Dall’Ara, not even behind closed doors. The ball thus passed to the League, which convened an emergency board of directors to address the issue, which ended around 1.30pm to make room for the meeting and resumed at 2.45pm to reach a conclusion. In the end, the goal line won, for which Bologna worked. Milan, on the other hand, would have liked to play.

when it will be played

Lorenzo Casini, president of the League, explained: “At the moment, calendar in hand, the month in which it will be possible to recover the match is February. Moving Verona-Milan? No, because we are entering into a chain move.” And with a joke: “There would be Christmas Day, as a hypothesis, but we are evaluating”. However, the comment on relations with Lepore is serious: “We attempted to speak with the mayor to be able to play behind closed doors, but there was no availability from the Municipality of Bologna”.

who decided

The decision was taken by the League’s board of directors, composed as follows. The president: Lorenzo Casini. The vice president: Luca Percassi. The CEO: Luigi De Siervo. An independent councilor: Gaetano Blandini. The advisors: Rebecca Corsi, Luca Percassi, Paolo Scaroni and Maurizio Setti. However, federal councilors Claudio Lotito and Giuseppe “Beppe” Marotta do not have the right to vote.

the tickets

Tickets purchased will also be valid for recovery, regardless of the date. For those who wish to request a refund, Bologna will communicate the timing and methods in the next few days.

the postponement and scaroni

But what happened in the League? The situation was not simple because there was no agreement between the two clubs. Milan would have liked to play the match immediately, as their president Paolo Scaroni clearly said upon entering the League for the assembly: “I didn’t deal with the topic, but I think that either we play behind closed doors or we play from another part. The hypothesis that it is not played frankly…”. And instead… Bologna instead pushed not to play, considering the difficulties that many of their fans are experiencing, a view that evidently prevailed.

Como and Empoli

In the League’s attempts, Como was plan A all morning, considering that an agreement had been reached with the mayor, police commissioner and prefect to play at Sinigaglia. The problems that emerged in the morning, not least Bologna’s opposition, cooled the situation. It is no coincidence that the League had also contacted Empoli in the morning: the Tuscan club offered its availability, but here too the attempt was unsuccessful. Side note: in Como or Empoli it would have been played without spectators. The times for tickets to go on sale are too short.

theo e reijnders

The main consequence for Milan, obviously, is the absence of Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders for Milan-Napoli, a huge match scheduled for Tuesday evening. The Frenchman and the Dutchman have a one-match ban each (for Theo, it is the second, with the first served against Udinese) and will not be able to serve it in Bologna. An indirect advantage for Antonio Conte and Napoli.

Mayor Lepore

The mayor of Bologna, Matteo Lepore, had already made it clear before the decision that he was satisfied with the postponement hypothesis, which at that moment was increasingly probable: “This morning I heard from the representatives of the Football League for a discussion which I consider useful. It seems to me that is moving towards a choice of sensitivity towards our territory, for this I thank them”.

Scaroni perplexed

The president of Milan, Paolo Scaroni, commented as follows when leaving the League: “The Municipality has decided… incomprehensible… The mayor has forbidden playing behind closed doors, I don’t understand why. However, faced with the ordinance let’s keep our heads down.”

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fenucci and the collection

The CEO of Bologna, Claudio Fenucci, spoke of “organizational difficulties, in addition to solidarity for the families affected”. These are his words: “It seems to me that the postponement is the wisest choice also because it allows us to safeguard the proceeds of the match which will partly be donated to the affected populations. Hypothesis of recovery? I don’t know, it is the responsibility of the League. These are issues organizational issues that must be addressed by defending the interests of the parties. I believe that playing matches behind closed doors and without an audience is always a defeat for the movement Beyond the solidarity that we always express for the families, there were also objective situations that made playing the match in Bologna difficult.”

The Bologna-Milan Postponement: A Comedy of Errors

Well, isn’t this just the kind of drama we live for in the world of football? Bologna versus Milan has been postponed, and it’s got “will they, won’t they” written all over it. If this were a rom-com, we’d have the town mayor in the role of the overly concerned parent, the Lega Board as the sceptical best friend, and Paolo Scaroni, president of Milan, as that guy who just wants to get the game played so he can see if he’ll finally impress the girl!

What Happened?

The Lega Board of Directors held an emergency meeting after an exciting morning riddled with twists and turns. The initial decision was to play Bologna-Milan over the weekend, but as we all know, the road to football glory is paved with postponed matches and perplexed expressions on the faces of executives. Bologna, citing a general sense of decency towards its community, pushed for a postponement, while Milan was left holding its breath like a kid waiting for their birthday cake. Talk about a party foul!

The Joker in the Room

Enter Lorenzo Casini, the League’s president and resident comedian, who mused about having the match on “Christmas Day.” Good one, Lorenzo! While some might appreciate the gift of watching their team play, I think Santa has bigger plans than dealing with football shenanigans. And truth be told, who wants to choose between family and football? That’s like choosing between cake and… well, another cake!

When Will They Actually Play?

Now, here’s the kicker: the next possible dates are in 2025. Yes, you heard right! By the time this match rolls around, we might just be living in a world where people are talking about flying cars and intergalactic football leagues. But seriously, can you imagine the players turning up two years later and thinking, “Wait a minute, wasn’t I just suspended for one match?”

The Decision-Makers

As it turns out, the League’s board, made up of key players like Casini, Percassi, and the ever-passionate Scaroni, had a split on how things should go down. Milan, the romantic optimist, wanted to play; Bologna, the sensible pragmatist, wanted to hold off. It’s like having two people plan a holiday: one wants the sun-soaked beaches, and the other’s insisting on just sitting at home and budgeting the train tickets! And naturally, Bologna’s resolve won out. Well played, Bologna!

Bologna’s Mayor: The Voice of the Community

Mayor Matteo Lepore, bless him, was quick to express that he felt “satisfied” with the postponement. It’s nice to see a leader who understands the importance of sensitivity during tough times. Meanwhile, Scaroni, the president of Milan, looked like a kid who just had his cookie stolen. “Why can’t we play behind closed doors?” he lamented. Maybe because it’s football, not a secret club meeting? Honestly, Paolo, cheer up! There are always more matches!

Consequences of the Delay

As the dominoes fall, Milan’s absence of Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders for the Napoli showdown adds another layer of intrigue to this soap opera. You’ve got to love the irony: while Bologna fumbles through a public relations nightmare, Milan is left guiding its ship through treacherous waters. That’s what we call a “pyrrhic victory!”

In Summary

The decision to postpone the Bologna-Milan match is just another reminder that football isn’t just about what happens on the pitch; it’s about the entangled web of decisions, emotions, and, oh yes, occasional jokes that come with it. So here’s to Bologna for showing sensitivity and to Milan for wanting to play—it’s all part of the sport. And who knows? By the time they do play, we could be discussing a completely different scenario! After all, the only thing certain in football is its unpredictability, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Stay tuned, folks—the next chapter in this sporting soap opera promises to be just as entertaining!

Following an extensive review of potential venues in Como and Empoli, the Lega Board of Directors has come to the decision to postpone the Bologna-Milan match. This resolution has been met with enthusiasm from Bologna officials, who advocated against a hasty decision. Lorenzo Casini, the League’s president, lightened the mood with a quip, suggesting, “If we’re looking to play on December 25th, we’d better evaluate our options.” Meanwhile, Milan’s president raised concerns, stating, “The mayor has prohibited closed-door matches, which I find perplexing.” Notably, Milan will be missing key players Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders for their upcoming clash against Napoli.

The highly anticipated Bologna-Milan match will not take place this weekend, as the League’s board made the unexpected decision to postpone it after a tumultuous morning filled with twists and turns. The challenge now lies in rescheduling the match, with the earliest potential dates pushing into 2025.

the day

In the morning, the League explored various alternative venues to hold the match. As tensions mounted, Bologna’s Mayor Matteo Lepore remained firm in his stance, with Prefect Visconti also present, ultimately concluding that the match could not be held at the Dall’Ara, even behind closed doors. As a result, the decision-making power reverted to the League, which called an urgent board meeting that commenced around 1:30 PM, reconvening at 2:45 PM to reach a final decision. Ultimately, the wishes of Bologna prevailed, despite Milan’s desire to see the match played immediately.

who decided

The crucial decision regarding the postponement was made by the League’s board of directors, which includes Lorenzo Casini as president, Luca Percassi as vice president, and Luigi De Siervo as CEO. They were advised by council members, but it’s important to note that federal councilors Claudio Lotito and Giuseppe “Beppe” Marotta did not possess voting rights during this pivotal meeting.

the tickets

Fans who purchased tickets for the original match will be able to use them for the rescheduled game, regardless of the new date. Bologna officials will provide details regarding ticket refunds in the coming days.

the postponement and scaroni

The atmosphere within the League was tense, particularly between the two clubs, given the divergent opinions on how to proceed. While Milan expressed a strong desire to play, with president Paolo Scaroni stating, “I didn’t engage with the topic, but either we play behind closed doors or we relocate the match,” Bologna took a firm stance against playing, citing the difficulties faced by many of their fans after national concerns.

Como and Empoli

Throughout the morning, the League’s plan A centered around Como, as an agreement had been established with local authorities to facilitate the match at the Sinigaglia stadium. However, Bologna’s strong opposition led to further complications. The League then reached out to Empoli as an alternative venue, but that attempt also failed. In both venues, any potential match would have been played without spectators due to tight timing for ticket sales.

theo e reijnders

The immediate fallout for Milan revolves around the absence of pivotal players Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders during their upcoming showdown with Napoli, set for Tuesday evening. Both players receive one-match bans; for Hernandez, it marks the second of his suspensions, with the first having been served against Udinese. Their absence poses a significant advantage for Antonio Conte’s Napoli.

Mayor Lepore

Before the final decision was made, Bologna’s Mayor Matteo Lepore indicated his support for the postponement, which became more likely as discussions progressed: “This morning, I spoke with representatives from the Football League, and I believe we are moving towards a decision that demonstrates sensitivity towards our community, for this, I extend my gratitude.”

Scaroni perplexed

After the meetings, Milan’s president Paolo Scaroni left with lingering confusion: “The municipality’s decision is incomprehensible… the mayor’s prohibition of playing behind closed doors baffles me. Nevertheless, given the ordinance, we’ll accept the situation.”

fenucci and the collection

Claudio Fenucci, the CEO of Bologna, discussed the intricacies of managing both organizational challenges and the need for solidarity with the affected families. He emphasized, “The postponement appears to be the most prudent decision, as it not only protects the match proceeds but also allows for the aid to those impacted. Ultimately, these are logistical matters that necessitate careful handling to serve the interests of all involved.” He underscored the notion that playing matches without fans is ultimately a defeat for the sport.

Ontent paragraph-summary is-h5 is-uppercase is-mr-r-4 is-inline ” spellcheck=”true” id=”m27136-27135-27137″>Mayor Lepore

Mayor Matteo Lepore of Bologna expressed satisfaction with the decision ⁣to postpone‌ the match, highlighting the need for sensitivity during challenging times. “This morning, I spoke with representatives from the ⁤Football League, and it seems they are leaning towards a choice that respects our community,” he‍ stated, reflecting the local sentiment.

Scaroni perplexed

Milan’s president, Paolo Scaroni, left the meeting visibly frustrated. “The Municipality has decided… ​incomprehensible… the mayor has prohibited playing​ behind closed doors,” he remarked, voicing his confusion and disappointment. Despite his concerns, ⁣he acknowledged the final decision and called for a collective focus moving forward.

fenucci and the collection

Claudio Fenucci, Bologna’s CEO,⁢ remarked on the “organizational difficulties” surrounding the match,‌ while emphasizing solidarity with affected​ families. He noted that postponing the match was a wise decision because it preserved the⁣ match proceeds, which would be partly donated. He added, “Playing behind closed doors is‌ a⁤ defeat for the movement,” ‌reinforcing the importance of community and fan engagement in football.

The Bologna-Milan Drama: A Tale of Postponements and Perplexities

In the world of football, few things create as much buzz as a highly anticipated match, but when Bologna was set to face Milan this weekend, it quickly transformed into a saga filled with twists, turns, and a dash of humor. The match, which fans were eager to witness, was unexpectedly postponed, and the events leading to this conclusion read more like a script from a rom-com than a straightforward sporting decision.

The Lead-up to Decision Day

In the early hours leading up to the match, the Lega Board of Directors found themselves embroiled in fervent discussions. Initially, the plan was to proceed with Bologna-Milan as scheduled, but protests arose, particularly from Bologna, who advocated for postponement out of respect for their community’s recent hardships. Amidst an outcry resembling a scene from a soap opera, Milan’s executives anticipated the outcome assuming they could be heroes and save the day with a game.

Meanwhile, discussions morning centered around potential venues: Como and Empoli were considered as alternative locations to host the game, but Bologna’s objections effectively squashed these options. Como’s attempts to host the match were hastily discarded when it became clear that any scenario of playing without fans was not ideal.

The Players in the Game

Lorenzo Casini, the president of the League, injected some levity into the pressure-filled atmosphere with quips about scheduling the match for “Christmas Day,” while Bologna’s Mayor Matteo Lepore articulated a commitment to sensitivity regarding community welfare, leading to an eventual consensus for postponement. Milan’s president, Paolo Scaroni, however, remained unconvinced and expressed his confusion regarding the restrictions placed by Lepore on playing behind closed doors—voicing what many felt but few dared to say.

As the board convened for a final decision, it became apparent that the division between Bologna’s pragmatism and Milan’s fervent desire to play boiled down to an organizational struggle. Bologna prioritized communal respect over sporting passion, ultimately winning the day.

The Fallout

With the postponement now a reality, Milan faces significant challenges ahead, particularly with key players Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders set to be absent for their next match against Napoli. Their suspensions, intricately tied to the Bologna showdown, add a twist of irony to an already complicated narrative.

A Step Forward for Solidarity

Bologna’s CEO, Claudio Fenucci, articulated the organizational complexities and pressed the need for solidarity with the affected families, making a compelling case for the postponement as the most prudent course of action. He underscored the significance of proceeds from the match, intending to aid those in need.

The Bigger Picture

the Bologna-Milan postponement serves as a reminder that football transcends mere competition; it encompasses emotions, collective decisions, and the persistent unpredictability that makes the sport beloved by many. Whether the match is rescheduled for 2025 or sooner, one thing is clear: in football, the drama never really ends. For now, the focus shifts to navigating the intricate web of scheduling, community support, and, of course, the ever-raging passion for the game.

As fans await clarification on the future of this match, the intensity of emotions and the unpredictability of outcomes remind us why we love this beautiful game. Stay tuned, as the next chapter promises its own share of surprises!

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