Como’s debut in the UEFA Champions League could hit an unexpected snag—one tied not to tactics or transfers, but to local player quotas. Under UEFA’s Article 31 of the Champions League regulations, clubs may only register between 16 and 17 non-locally trained players on their match sheet. The remaining slots must be filled by athletes developed within the same national association. For Como, a club still in the early stages of building its infrastructure, this rule poses a real challenge.

Cesc Fàbregas, who took the helm as manager in late 2023, has built a squad with a strong international profile. However, the club’s lack of a fully operational youth academy means it falls short of UEFA’s local player requirement. “We’re constrained by UEFA’s player list rules,” Fàbregas explained during a pre-season press conference. “Without a proper academy structure, we’ll be limited to just 16 or 17 players on the Champions League roster. That’s why investing in homegrown talent is essential—though it’s a long-term process that can’t be rushed.”

Building from within amid rising ambitions

Ironically, Como boasts one of Serie A’s youngest squads (average age: 26), yet lacks the developmental depth to meet UEFA’s criteria. To compete at Europe’s highest level, the club must now pivot toward Italian-trained players—a shift that could reshape its transfer strategy entirely. So far this summer, Como has completed five deals, but only one signing, striker Mattia Liberali from Catanzaro for €6 million, hails from Italy. The remaining recruits are foreign-born, raising questions about the club’s immediate compliance.

Can the academy save the season?

Despite the hurdles, a potential lifeline may come from within. Como’s youth setup has begun to produce promising talents, including midfielder Riccardo Cassano, who impressed with the U17s and earned bench minutes in Serie A last season. If this young core can mature quickly, it could provide the local players needed to balance the squad. Still, Fàbregas admits the transition won’t happen overnight. “Academy development is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “We need time to grow our own stars.” For now, Como’s Champions League dream remains at risk—unless a last-minute adjustment or regulatory tweak intervenes.