Fans going to the CL final are facing tough restrictions and insane costs

It was announced earlier this week that the Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City was to be moved from Turkey to Portugal.

Turkey was named on the ‘red list’ by the UK government last week.

Talks were held between UEFA and the UK government over the final being moved to this country, with Wembley the most likely option.

Villa Park had also offered to stage the final, although it was reported at the time that the ground is not equipped to UEFA standards to host the game.

The talks, however, broke down as an agreement could not be reached on quarantine exemptions for UEFA delegates, sponsors and broadcasters prior to the final.

The decision was therefore taken to move the final to the Estadio do Dragao stadium in Portugal – a ‘green list’ country – with 6,000 fans from both sides able to attend.

However, the trip to Portugal is set to be far from straightforward.

Fans have been told that they must remain in a “bubble” after arriving in Portugal on the day of the final, and must return home straight after the game.

In addition, all fans must arrive on charter flights.

Portugal’s Minister of State Mariana Vieira da Silva said: “Those who come to the final of the Champions League will come and return on the same day, with a test done, in a bubble situation, on charter flights.

“There will be two fan zones and from there they will be moved to the stadium and from the stadium to the airport, being in Portugal less than 24 hours.”

It’s worth noting, that further changes could be made on the exact restrictions that fans might face.

inews reported yesterday afternoon that return flights from Portugal were priced as high as £678 with Air Portugal.

They also added that return flights provided by Ryanair, Wizz and easyJet ranged between £335 to £618. Those prices were all correct as of yesterday, and are typically fluctuating.

City statement on protocols

City released a club statement via their official website after the protocols were announced.

It reads: “We are very mindful that our supporters have a number of outstanding questions relating to the travel arrangements for the Champions League Final and we are congnisant that answering these questions swiftly is all the more pressing given the tight timeframes in place.

“The Club is continuing to engage with UEFA who are in turn dealing with the relevant Portuguese authorities, to ascertain further information regarding the protocols that will be in place.

“We will provide clarity to our supporters as soon as we are able to and we thank supporters for their patience.”

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