The Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea, on May 29, was moved from Istanbul, Turkey, to Porto, Portugal.
UEFA said Thursday (13) that the goal is for fans of English clubs to be able to travel without restrictions imposed by the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The final was due to be played at the Ataturk Stadium, but Turkey was put on the UK’s “red list” for travel last week, meaning no English fan can go to the match and back without a strict quarantine. That is why the match will now take place in Estádio do Dragão.
Portugal, which last year hosted the entire Champions League final in Lisbon, will join the British government’s “green list” from 17 May.
UEFA said each club will receive 6,000 tickets, which are set to go on sale on Thursday. The full capacity of the match has not yet been confirmed.
There were discussions about moving the final to Wembley Stadium in London, but UEFA said that despite the best efforts of the FA and the authorities, it was not possible to obtain the necessary exemptions from the quarantine system in the UK.
Club president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Fans have struggled for more than 12 months without being able to watch their teams live, and reaching the Champions League final is the pinnacle of club football.” I am happy to have reached this agreement.”
Officials of the Turkish Football Association told Reuters on Wednesday that they expect to host the Champions League final in 2023.
Amelia Kensington is a contributor to Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, presenting complex topics in an accessible and engaging way while maintaining a strong commitment to accuracy and relevance.