Vegno 2024 Copa Apollonia bid
 Official bid logo for Vegno 2024 | |
| Tournament details | |
|---|---|
| Host country |
 Vegno |
| Dates | Jul – Aug 2024 |
| Teams | (from 1 confederation) |
| Venue(s) | 6 (in 6 host cities) |
The Vegno 2024 AEFA Copa Apollonia bid is an intended bid by Vegno to host the 2024 Copa Apollonia. The bid was first announced by the Vegnese football federation in the first months of 2023 in various interviews hosted by VAI, and formally officialized on 30 October 2023.
Background
Vegno has never hosted any FMF or AEFA competition, except for the 2022–23 AEFA Champions' League final, held in the Stadio San Giuann in Cossa in June 2023. The first idea of an official presentation for the organization of the Copa Apollonia was born with the Mancuso II Cabinet, when the Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities Juan J. One unofficially agreed to the proposal of the FCV President Manuele Cocci for a possible official proposal for the organization of the 2024 Copa Apollonia. Juan J. One in January 2023 declared to VAI that he intended to officially present a request to parliament to support Vegno's candidacy. The political scandal of 1716, however, brought great instability in the government until his resignation and the idea of the candidacy faded to make room for more urgent matters.
During the subsequent Unno I Cabinet, the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities Carmine Cattivsante, when questioned about possible support for the federation was however glossed over by the PNV militant, stating that the government had more urgent issues to deal with than a football competition.
The turning point came thanks to the election of the new President of the Republic, Antonio Visciglia who, in 1724 officially presented the discussion in parliament, supported by Prime Minister Angelo Greco and Minister Dimitri Costello, finding the support of all political forces.
In 1725, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Fabio Tajarol, announced that the government would give Football Federation of Vegno 45 million Rin to fund its Copa Apollonia bid preparation. The Government established also a task force, which will negotiate with governments regarding responsibility for stadium improvements, new facilities and financial guarantees. It will also organise and clarify ground-sharing arrangements with other sports and possible compensation for loss of venues.
Following the agreement with the government, the president of the FCV Manuele Cocci officially presents the candidacy of Vegno to organize the Copa Apollonia 2024 on 24.XV.1725 AN.
Shortlisted venues
Stadiums
Due to the introduction of the FMF ground grading regulations, all prospective stadiums must have a minimum capacity of 20,000, with at least one stadium with a capacity in excess of 50,000 to host the final.
| Mhazar
|
Cossa
| |
|---|---|---|
| Mhacompare Arena | Stadio San Giuann | |
| Capacity: 35,000
Expandable to: 45,000 Expected by 2024 |
Capacity: 55,000
Expandable to: 65,000 Expected by 2024 | |
|
| |
| Crati
|
Taurasi
| |
| Cantorunno Stadium | Stadio Munnissima | |
| Capacity: 44,000 | Capacity: 35,000 | |
|
| |
| Sancrus
|
Scanzata
| |
| Parco del Trionfo | Sospiro Stadium | |
| Capacity: 44,000 | Capacity: 22,00
Expandable to: 30,000 Expected by 2024 | |
|
|
Planned Renovations
| Stadium (Official bid name) |
Host city | Region | Current capacity | 2024 Planned capacity | Notes and redevelopment plans | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stadio San Giuann | Cossa | Region of Cossa
|
55,000 | 65,000 | Due to the quality of the stadium, and the stadium's capacity, it is already in FMF standards, having already hosted the 2022–23 AEFA Champions' League final and the only work planned is about enlarging its capacity to 65,000. It was proposed to host the opening match for the tournament, in addition to group stage,quarterfinal and the final. | Capacity Expansion |
| Mhacompare Arena | Mhazar | Mhazar-Campoasciutto
|
35,000 | 45,000 | Having already hosted both the finals of the 2022 Bonfire Cup and 2022 Supercoppa Vegnese, this existing stadium is already one of the most important of the country. Vegno's bid proposes the stadium to host group stages, quarterfinal, and semifinal matches. | Capacity Expansion |
| Sospiro Stadium | Scanzata | Largoprato
|
22,000 | 30,000 | For the tournament, the stadium will have a 30,000-seat capacity to host group stage matches. it will also be rebuilt in some parts, such as the entrances and the stairs to access the seats. | Capacity Expansion and modernization |
External support
Over the months following its formalization, the Vegnese proposal saw the support of numerous entrepreneurs from Vegno. The first to express his interest in investing and participating in the Vegno consortium to host the Copa Apollonia 2024 was Alighiero Sagese, CEO and director of the company Sentient Solutions Inc.In fact, the company proposed to use its Artificial Intelligence to develop innovative systems for managing data and spectator experience during the event.
Subsequently, the two well-known entrepreneurs Damiano Cosmin and Silvio Gianni Linard also expressed their interest to public officials, officially becoming partners in the application. Linard Trasporti could in fact offer efficient and tailor-made transport services to guarantee the mobility of fans arriving from all over the continent via airports and guarantee them correct connections with the cities hosting the matches; while Cosmin Irrigazioni will provide cutting-edge solutions to maintain the football pitches of the six proposed stadiums in optimal conditions.
Controversy
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The request by Vegno to host the "Copa Apollonia 2024" has aroused not only numerous positive reactions from the population but also a wave of controversies and protests, mainly centered in the capital, Cossa. The environmental movement, supported by the I Verdi political party led by Peppe Freeda, organized numerous peaceful demonstrations in the city center to express their concern about possible pollution and environmental impacts resulting from the organization of the event.
The protests saw the participation of hundreds of demonstrators who carried banners and slogans against the government's decision to host the Copa Apollonia. Activists have raised specific concerns about increased traffic during the event, the consumption and waste of water resources, the accumulation of waste, and air pollution due to transport and competition-related activities.
During the demonstrations, protesters also underlined the importance of preserving green spaces and natural habitats in the area, stressing that the construction of infrastructure for the stadium and related structures could cause irreversible damage to the surrounding environment.
The protests had a strong media impact, with the participation of public figures and well-known environmental activists. The debate on the sustainability of the event has intensified, leading local authorities and the promoters of the Copa Apollonia to seriously consider the adoption of environmentally friendly measures and to involve the environmental movement and the I Verdi in discussions to find solutions that minimize the environmental impact of the event.
