Fans face anxious wait to see if they can travel to Istanbul for the Champions League final

Manchester City and Chelsea fans face an anxious wait to see if they can travel to the Champions League final if their sides qualify.

UEFA confirmed on Thursday that the May 29 final will take place at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, despite Turkey entering a three-week lockdown this week, but have yet to confirm whether travelling fans can attend.

UEFA are working towards having a minimum of 9,000 fans, but international arrivals are a complicating factor.  

The Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul is due to host the Champions League final this year

Chelsea and Manchester City are now favourites to make the Champions League final

Turkey’s infection rate means it is likely to be placed on the Government’s ‘amber list’ when international travel resumes on May 17, which entails a 10-day quarantine upon return and three mandatory Covid tests. 

City are strong favourites to progress to their first final after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 away from home in the first leg of their semi-final, while Chelsea secured a valuable away goal in a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid.

The decision on the number of spectators and whether any will be given to the clubs will be taken by the Turkish government. Their lockdown is due to end on May 17.

UEFA said in a statement: ‘We are assured the lockdown should not impact the match.’