Top News

Como president Mirwan Suwarso has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the Serie A outfit, aiming to transform the club into a world-class sports tourism hub. As the team gears up for its first-ever Champions League campaign, Suwarso remains resolute on transfer valuations and has adopted a bold, confrontational stance towards UEFA’s financial regulations, even inviting fines in pursuit of his vision.

Building a sports tourism powerhouse

Speaking on the Business of Sport podcast, Suwarso elaborated on his broader vision for Como beyond the football pitch. He emphasised that the club’s picturesque location on Lake Como gives it the potential to become a global lifestyle and tourism brand.

“We shouldn’t just be a football club; we should be a sports tourism destination,” Suwarso explained. “We talk about how beautiful this place is, how wonderful the people are… It’s not only about football, it’s about creating a destination for sports tourism. Our ambition is to become the Los Angeles Lakers of Italian football.”

Challenging UEFA’s financial constraints

With Como preparing for their debut appearance in the Champions League after finishing fourth in Serie A, UEFA’s financial fair play regulations have become a significant topic of discussion. Yet, Suwarso appears completely undeterred by the risk of penalties. In a defiant statement, he made it clear that Como will not compromise their spending approach to comply with governing bodies.

“We could skip a year, so we have to behave like we don’t belong there, fighting like hell,” Suwarso said. “We will not alter our spending to fit that stage. I don’t need UEFA to lecture me about financial fair play—my owners remind me every day. If you have to fine us, fine us. It’s one of the challenges we must face. It’s a normal part of the process.”

Standing firm on player valuations

To sustain their long-term vision, Como have placed substantial valuations on their key players. Suwarso disclosed that the club bought Assane Diao for €12 million but turned down a €60 million offer soon after, explaining that retaining players for longer periods boosts amortisation profits.

Likewise, Martin Baturina, signed for €18 million, has already drawn bids of €55 million, but Como have priced him at €75 million. Suwarso is committed to providing manager Cesc Fabregas with a squad capable of competing against Europe’s top clubs. He even joked that he would love to face Real Madrid at home and Barcelona away in the Champions League. The president also mentioned that he personally reached out to Inter president Beppe Marotta to amicably resolve their mutual interest in Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.

What lies ahead for Como?

Looking forward, Como are entering a thrilling new era both on and off the field. Alongside tackling the challenges of a demanding Champions League schedule, the club is also focusing on infrastructure development. Suwarso announced plans to build a new 15,000-seat boutique stadium by 2027. If Como continue with their fearless attitude and aggressive market approach, they are set to become one of Europe’s most intriguing teams in the coming season.