Como’s champions league squad dilemma due to local player rules

Como faces champions league restrictions with limited squad size

Como’s debut in the UEFA Champions League could turn into a logistical nightmare this season. Despite securing qualification for the first time in club history—just two years after earning promotion to Serie A—Como may find itself severely handicapped by European football’s roster rules. According to UEFA’s Article 31, clubs can register only 17 non-locally trained players, while the remaining eight spots must be filled by players developed within the country. This regulation poses a unique challenge for a club that has heavily invested in international talent.

Cesc Fàbregas, Como’s manager since November 2023, has repeatedly voiced concerns over the club’s inability to meet UEFA’s requirements without a fully operational academy. In a late July press conference, he stressed the urgency of developing homegrown players—a process that simply cannot yield results overnight. « We are constrained by UEFA’s squad registration limits, » he explained. « Without a proper academy infrastructure, we may start the Champions League campaign with just 16 or 17 players eligible for selection. This forces us to rethink our recruitment strategy entirely. »

Como’s young squad at the heart of the dilemma

Ironically, Como boasts one of the youngest rosters in Serie A, with an average age of just 26. Yet, this youth advantage is overshadowed by the lack of locally developed talent in the squad. With only five signings completed this summer—just one of whom is Italian—Fabregas faces a steep uphill battle. The lone Italian addition, striker Mattia Liberali from Catanzaro for €6 million, offers little help in meeting UEFA’s quota.

However, a glimmer of hope lies within Como’s youth academy. The club’s under-17 team has produced standout talent, including midfielder Riccardo Cassano, who has already featured in Serie A matches. As the summer transfer window winds down, Fàbregas may need to pivot toward promoting academy graduates to avoid crippling squad restrictions in Europe’s premier competition.