In the pantheon of European football giant clubs, AC Milan often feels untouchable. But even the Rossoneri have their dark chapters. Has AC Milan ever been relegated? The short answer is yes — not once but twice — under highly controversial circumstances. In this article, AvigGoal will guide you through that turbulent era, explain how Milan returned stronger than ever, and reflect on what those relegations mean in the club’s identity.
A Club Built for Greatness (But Not Immune to Scandal)
Before diving into the relegations, it’s important to set the context: AC Milan was founded in December 1899 and rose steadily through the Italian football ranks. Over decades, the club became one of Italy’s most prestigious institutions, winning multiple domestic and European honors.
By the 1970s, Milan was already an established powerhouse. However, Italian football was not immune to off-field controversies — and Milan’s fall.
The First Relegation — The Totonero Scandal (1979–80)
What Was Totonero?
In 1980, Italian football was rocked by Totonero, a match-fixing scandal that enveloped several clubs across Serie A and B. Players, club officials, referees, and betting networks were implicated in an illicit betting syndicate that manipulated match outcomes. The resulting judicial and league punishments were harsh.
Milan was found guilty of involvement (with several players and club figures under suspicion), and the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) decided to relegate the club to Serie B as a penalty. This was unprecedented for Milan — they had never been relegated on sporting performance grounds until then.
The Relegation and Its Aftermath
In the 1979–80 season, Milan’s fate was sealed not by on-pitch performance but by judgment. Officially, they were demoted to Serie B as punishment. The following season in the second division, Milan rallied and immediately won promotion by securing the Serie B 1980–81 title, returning to the top flight at the first attempt.
But their troubles were not over: in the 1981–82 Serie A campaign, Milan finished low and were relegated again — this time because of poor results, not scandal.
So, to summarize:
|
Season |
Reason for relegation |
Notes |
|
1979–80 |
Punitive relegation (Totonero) |
Scandal-driven demotion |
|
1981–82 |
Sporting performance |
Finished among bottom teams |
Thus, AC Milan has indeed been relegated twice in its history, though one relegation was forced by scandal rather than on-field failure.
Rebirth — Milan’s Return and Era of Dominance
After their second relegation, Milan’s return to Serie A marked the start of a sustained renaissance. In the mid-1980s, new ownership under Silvio Berlusconi injected financial stability and ambition. Milan began signing high-caliber players, instilling modern tactics, and building the foundations of a continental power., Milan would become one of the dominant forces in European football — multiple Serie A titles, European Cups, Champions Leagues, and global prestige. The scars of relegation became a distant memory for fans, overshadowed by glory.
Why Those Relegations Matter — Legacy, Identity, and Lessons
Symbolic Significance
For many Milan fans, the relegations represent a reminder: no club is invulnerable. The idea that “giants don’t fall” was challenged. Even the most decorated club had a moment of profound suffering. It’s part of Milan’s identity now — a narrative of rebirth through adversity.
Moral: Governance Matters
The Totonero scandal demonstrated how administrative misconduct can bring even the largest club to its knees. The forced relegation was punishment, not a result of failure on the field. That sets a lesson: institutions need integrity beyond pure athletic success.
Contrast with Clubs Never Relegated
There are clubs that pride themselves on never having been relegated (for example, in Italy, that label is often applied to Inter Milan). That milestone is a bragging point in fan culture and media discourse. But Milan doesn’t share it — and arguably, their later achievements make that historical blemish even more poignant.
Common Misconceptions and Trivia
- Misconception: Milan was only relegated once.
- → Actually twice: once for scandal, once for performance.
- Misconception: Relegation destroyed Milan’s status.
- → Quite the opposite: after the mid-1980s, Milan rebuilt and became even more formidable.
- Trivia: The first relegation (1979–80) is still among the darkest chapters in club lore, referenced in fan culture and histories as a “what could have been” moment.
Modern Era and Stability
Since the early 1980s returns, AC Milan has remained in Serie A continuously. They have not faced relegation again. The club has undergone financial upheavals, ownership changes, periods of struggle and resurgence — but always within the top tier.
In recent years, Milan reclaimed the Serie A title in 2021–22, reestablishing themselves among Europe’s elite. Their sustained presence in the top flight is a point of pride and underscores how the club has learned.
Final Thoughts
Has AC Milan ever been relegated? Yes — twice. The first time was a punitive relegation tied to the Totonero scandal in 1979–80. The second time, a sporting relegation followed in 1981–82. But those events forged part of Milan’s greater legend: the fall and the rise. Their journey is proof that even giants can stumble — but the greatness lies in how they respond.
If you enjoyed this deep dive into Milan’s complex history, drop a comment or share — AvigGoal is your go-to source for football stories, stats, and legacies. Want to explore more club histories or player sagas? Stay tuned — there’s always more to discover.
