May 11 – Portugal has emerged as the favourite to stage the all-English Champions League final later this month after complications arose with switching the game to Wembley.
A decision to strip Turkey of hosting rights for the second year running is imminent because of Covid-19 travel restrictions. But UEFA have apparently been unable to strike agreement with British authorities about gaining quarantine exemptions for the likes of international media, technical and support staff and sponsors.
As a result, the mood appears to be switching the tie to Portugal which also staged last season’s finale and is on the UK government’s green list of low-risk destinations meaning fans would be allowed to travel for the May 29 showdown – unlike if the game takes place in Istanbul.
UEFA’s showpiece fixture could still be played at England’s national stadium but it would require a major shift from the government.
If Portugal is selected, Porto is being touted as the most likely option rather than Lisbon which held the latter stages of last year’s competition because of the pandemic. Portugal is currently in the last phase of easing its lockdown and is expected to lift travel restrictions from May 17.
UEFA has reportedly given the British government until today to decide whether authorities can waive quarantine restrictions. If not, the game seems destined for Porto’s 50,000-capacity Estádio do Dragão.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1714807484labto1714807484ofdlr1714807484owedi1714807484sni@w1714807484ahsra1714807484w.wer1714807484dna1714807484