UEFA has given the British government until Tuesday (11/5) to provide the necessary travel waivers to move the Champions League final to Wembley in London. Other than that, the entity that leads European football is contemplating a decision between Chelsea and Manchester City in Portugal, the country that actually hosted the final stage of the tournament last season.
The Champions League final has been set for May 29, and will be moved from Istanbul after Turkey was added to the UK’s “red list” of countries hit by the coronavirus outbreak. This means that players and fans will have to spend ten days in isolation in the hotel after the match at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
Portugal is on the UK’s “green list” of 12 low-risk regions where people are not required to be quarantined upon return, making it easier for thousands of Manchester City and Chelsea fans to travel to know the decision immediately.
Porto, in Portugal, is emerging as one of the options after UEFA faced obstacles in holding the match in London, the entity’s preferred location to host the match.
UEFA is in talks with the British government, but the authorities have not yet been able to secure quarantine exemptions for all those wishing to attend a final in London – including Champions League sponsors, their guests and accredited journalists.
After Monday’s meeting (5/10), UEFA must make the final decision within 48 hours. If the change is accepted, other negotiations enter the agenda, such as the release of more fans.
The UK allows up to 10,000 people in stadiums, but made an exception for the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester. The match scheduled for May 15, at Wembley, may be followed by 20,000 fans. The idea is to be given similar permission to dispute the Champions League final, with an attendance of 22,500.
