UEFA’s own report said Baku was not a fit host

UEFA’s decision to award a major European final to Baku will come under further scrutiny after it emerged that the governing body warned that campsites and university dormitories would be needed to house supporters. In 2017 Baku bid to host the 2019 Champions League and Europa League finals. As a guide for the bid process, UEFA published valuation reports and for the Champions League it read: ‘The number of hotel rooms within a 60km radius of the stadium falls short of UEFA requirements for a Champions League final and the city could accommodate only a very limited number of fans and sponsors in standard hotels. ‘Mitigation measures such as campsites, university dormitories and guest houses would need to be investigated.’ The Champions League final was eventually awarded to Madrid, but Baku got the Europa League final, to be played next week between Arsenal and Chelsea. However, the valuation report for the Europa League selection also warned that Baku would still fall short of hotel rooms necessary for a final. Arsenal and Chelsea were given around 6,000 tickets each for the final in the 69,000capacity Olympic Stadium. Yet as it transpired, UEFA’s blushes over accommodation have been spared by the travel chaos that has beset the event. Due to the lack of flights and expense, many Arsenal and Chelsea fans are shunning the game and the two clubs are currently due to return a combined 6,000 tickets. UEFA did not respond to a request for comment.