Feeling at UEFA now is that Champions League final is more likely to be in Portugal than Wembley; the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul was due to host the final but pressure has grown for the venue to be changed after the UK government placed Turkey on their 'red list' of at-risk countries
The Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea is increasingly likely to be moved to Portugal to allow fans to attend safely amid the coronavirus pandemic, with a final decision set to be made on Tuesday.
The final is currently scheduled to be played at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, but Turkey is in the grip of a surge in coronavirus cases and has been added to the UK's 'red list' of countries with the most severe travel restrictions.
The UK government was locked in talks with UEFA on Monday with the hope of moving the final to Wembley, due to both finalists being from the Premier League, but a considerable sticking point exists over waiving quarantine rules for visiting delegates, broadcasters and sponsors.
There is a sense that UEFA feels it has an obligation to the UK Prime Minister after he backed the governing body so strongly over the European Super League debacle.
A final decision is expected to be made by Tuesday and UEFA is still hopeful that the issues can be resolved, but Portugal has emerged as an increasingly likely option if Wembley falls through.
And it would mean the Champions League final will be staged in Portugal for the second time in two seasons after Lisbon's Estadio da Luz held Bayern Munich's triumph over Paris Saint-Germain last year.
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The Turkish Football Federation has invested a lot to make the final happen safely in Istanbul, including expanding the media area and ensuring the stadium is Covid-secure.
Sources in Turkey have told Sky Sports News they would naturally be disappointed if the final did not go ahead in their city, adding UEFA cannot take the final away from the country without their agreement.
They are also sad to be placed on the UK "red list", having made the effort in good faith, but they will be reimbursed if it is moved and the country is expected to discuss a counteroffer, such as another final in a future season.
The Champions League final was last staged at Wembley back in 20131:50
Sky Sports News reporter Rebecca Williams says UEFA must get permission from Turkey to switch the Champions League final from Istanbul to Wembley
Government gives go ahead to May 17 lockdown easing
From May 17, outdoor sports venues in England are due to be allowed up to 10,000 fans or 25 per cent capacity, whichever figure is lower. However, 20,000 have already been earmarked for the Champions League final, which would mean it would need to be run as a pilot event.
The Sky Bet Championship play-off final is currently due to take place on Saturday, May 29 at Wembley Stadium, but the EFL says it is "willing to listen to moving the play-offs" to an alternative date.
However, with the European Championships due to get underway on June 11, it would have to be played as soon as possible after the Champions League final.
EFL fans and clubs may also need to be compensated for tickets and travel already booked, and there would also likely be discussions as to whether a greater number of fans could attend if the Champions League final allows 20,000 spectators in.
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