Phil SumblerIt is starting to look more likely that the upcoming Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea will mean a move of the Championship play off final that was scheduled to take place at Wembley on the same day.
The Champions League final was due to take place in Istanbul on 29 May but with Turkey now on the “red list” of travel areas it would mean that fans of both clubs would not be able to attend the game without a costly quarantine period on their return at best.
Speaking at the weekend travel 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.”
“Of course it’s worth mentioning the UK has already got a successful track record of football matches with spectators, so we’re well placed to do it.”
The Times are now reporting this morning that UEFA are coming around to the idea of the game being at Wembley which could result in a move of at least one of the play off finals either to a different date or to a different venue.
Rearranging the games at Wembley (the three finals are due to be played on 29, 30 and 31 May) seems difficult given the venue is set to host Euro 2020 games from 13 June so an alternative venue is looking most likely?
