According to multiple reports coming out of England, the FA is in talks with UEFA to shift the Champions League venue to somewhere in England. The primary reason behind this is Turkey being red-listed by the English government.
A red list entry means that fans will have to isolate for ten days upon return to the country in a government hotel. This bars elite sportspersons, but they will also have to follow quarantine protocol. The Champions League final was originally expected to be played in Istanbul on 29th May.
“We are having to be cautious about this,” the transport secretary, Grant Schapps, said. “I’m afraid we’re having to put Turkey on the red list and it will have ramifications. Fans should not travel to Turkey. The FA are in discussions with Uefa already on this and we are very open to hosting the final.
“Ultimately it’s the decision of Uefa. We have a successful track record of matches with spectators. I’ve spoken to the sport’s minister, we’re very open to it and in the end it’s a decision for Uefa but given it’s two English clubs in final we’re waiting to hear what they have to say.”
More than 8,000 tickets have to be allocated for Manchester City and Chelsea fans who are being asked to stay at home by the British government. Considering that it is an all-English final and that fans have not been allowed into stadiums for the majority of a year, it would be a good experience for both teams to play the biggest match of the season in front of their supporters.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Villa Park and Wembley Stadium are among the venues being discussed, and further information will follow in the days to come.
