Champions League final could be moved to England! Government ‘hold talks with UEFA over switching from Istanbul’ after Turkey was put on travel red-list – meaning Man City and Chelsea fans would have to quarantine at a hotel on their return!
Turkey has been named on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ group, leaving Istanbul’s Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City in serious doubt.
Both Premier League sides will contest this year’s final on May 29 – set to be played in Istanbul – with 4,000 tickets allocated to supporters from both sides for the showpiece event.
But Turkey’s high number of coronavirus cases means the UK Government has placed the country on its highest travel warning list, meaning anyone would be refused entry back to the UK should they attend.
Turkey has been placed on the UK Government’s ‘red list’ which has implications for this year’s Champions League final in Istanbul between Chelsea and Manchester City
And according to the Daily Telegraph, the government are in talks to bring the final to England, instead of Turkey, so the Chelsea and Manchester City players can play in the fixture.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed on Friday that Turkey, Nepal and the Maldives were added to the countries in the ‘red list’ – the highest band of coronavirus-stricken countries that have restrictions for UK citizens.
Anybody travelling to those countries would have to quarantine in a hotel on their return, including elite sportspeople.
That would cause serious concern for Gareth Southgate’s England squad, who begin their European Championships campaign just 15 days after the planned European final.
Several Three Lions internationals, including key men Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Mason Mount, are set to contest the Champions League final and their preparations for the European Championships would be severely damaged.
More to follow.