Como president Mirwan Suwarso and several club directors have made a heartwarming decision ahead of the club’s historic Champions League debut, giving up their tickets so elderly supporters can attend the landmark fixture against RB Leipzig.
Como will welcome Leipzig to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on Thursday at 20:00 BST for the biggest European night in the club’s 119 year history. The Italian side secured their place in Europe’s elite competition after finishing fourth in Serie A last season under former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
However, thousands of supporters who hoped to witness the historic occasion have missed out because of limited seating at the club’s home ground. The stadium, located on the shores of Lake Como, normally holds around 12,000 spectators. UEFA broadcasting and operational requirements have reduced that capacity by another 1,000 seats.
After tickets sold out, Suwarso revealed that he and other club executives would surrender their seats to give long serving supporters the opportunity to experience the special occasion.
“With the reduced capacity and the limited number of tickets available, unfortunately we cannot accommodate everyone who would have liked to be there,” Suwarso wrote.
“However, some club executives and I have decided to give up our seats for this match.
“We want those seats to be allocated to supporters who have waited the longest – fans born in 1950 or earlier, who have followed Como through every division and every era.
“We will be honoured to give up our seat for them.”
Como Reward Long Serving Supporters
The decision highlights the remarkable relationship between Como and their supporters after years of hardship and rebuilding. The Lombardy club has enjoyed a dramatic rise through the Italian football system in recent seasons.
Como reached Serie A in 2024 after ending a 21 year absence from the top flight. It was their third promotion in six seasons, completing an impressive transformation after the club twice went bankrupt during the previous two decades.
Their return to Serie A brought further progress. Como finished 10th in their first season back among Italy’s elite before Fabregas guided them to fourth place the following campaign.
That result secured a place in the Champions League and created an opportunity for Como to compete against some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The Leipzig fixture will therefore mark another major chapter in the club’s extraordinary rise. After their opening match, Como will face Feyenoord, Manchester United, Lens, AEK Athens, Real Betis, Paris St Germain and Barcelona during their maiden Champions League campaign.
For supporters who have followed Como through the lower divisions, financial struggles and years outside Italy’s top flight, Thursday’s match promises to be a moment they will never forget.
