PORTUGAL VERSUS WEMBLEY IN FINAL SHOOTOUT
Chelsea and Manchester City supporters’ hopes of attending this month’s Champions league final received a significant boost yesterday when UeFa ruled out keeping the game in Istanbul. While further talks are planned today, sources involved with the discussions said last night that UeFa are contemplating a straight choice between Wembley and either Porto or lisbon in Portugal for the new venue, with the decision said to be in the balance. UeFa’s preference is for the final to take place in england on May 29, but they have yet to receive assurances from the
Government that up to 1,000 staff needed to run the event would be granted exemptions from the 10-day isolation period required to enter the UK from most countries. Fans of both clubs would be able to attend the match in either instance, as Portugal was one of a handful of countries placed on the Government’s green list that permits quarantine-free travel. last season’s Champions league semi-finals and final were held behind closed doors in lisbon in a Covid-secure environment, but Porto has emerged as UeFa’s « preferred back-up plan this year. While both clubs and the Fa would prefer
the final to be staged at Wembley, the decision will rest with the Government, who must agree to UEFa’s demands or see it moved to Portugal.
the Government are understood to be wary of granting travel exemptions for fear of the mixed message it would send to the public, who have for so long been told they cannot go on holiday or visit relatives abroad.
With extreme reluctance, UEFa have taken the decision to move the final from Istanbul due to their desire to have fans of both clubs able to attend.
that became impossible once turkey was placed on the Government’s red list last week.
With more than £ 20million having been spent renovating the ataturk stadium, compensation will have to be paid, while the city have also been promised the 2023 Champions League final in a revised schedule which sees saint Petersburg keep the 2022 showpiece, with 2024 being held at
Wembley and 2025 in Munich. the EFL will be monitoring today’s talks with interest as there are ramifications for their play- off games, which are due to be held at Wembley between May 29-31.
Meanwhile, the Premier League have confirmed they are in talks with the Government over playing in full stadiums from the start of next season.
ahead of next week’s return of up to 10,000 fans for each Premier League match, chief executive Richard Masters said: ‘It will be brilliant to see fans back. they have been hugely missed and the Premier League has not been the same without them. their presence will ensure a fantastic finale.
‘although only a small number of home fans will be at our matches next week, this is an important step in our return to normality.
‘We will continue to work with the Government as our priority is to have full, vibrant stadiums — including away supporters — from the start of next season.
‘Only then will we get back to the real Premier League.’