Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister, has made a plea to UEFA to hold this season’s Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea in England.
UEFA have no immediate plans to change the venue from Istanbul, despite Turkey being placed on the UK’s ‘red list’.
This means that Chelsea and City supporters face a possible ten days’ costly hotel quarantine on return from their trip for the May 29 showdown.
And that has led to calls from Johnson to stage the final in the UK, with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, St James’ Park and the Emirates all seen as viable options.
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“The Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football,” Johnson told the Sun.
“And with two English teams in the final, it would be a great shame if fans were unable to attend.
“It would be brilliant to host it here if we can. I want to help supporters of both clubs see their team in action.”
If the game was played in England up to 15,000 fans could attend.
Meanwhile, transport Secretary Grant Shapps has warned both sets of fans that they should not make the trip for the final based on the latest advice.
“It does mean fans should not travel to Turkey. The FA are in discussions with UEFA already,” Shapps said.
“We are very open to hosting the final but that’s ultimately for UEFA.
“We already have a successful record of matches with spectators and given two English clubs are in that final we look forward to hearing what UEFA say.”
