UEFA rebuts claim Istanbul in doubt as Champions League final host after election

Recommended for you

• 1Lionel Messi to start for PSG after in-house suspension
• 2David Moyes backs resilient West Ham to reach Conference League final
• 3Marcelo Bielsa set to become Uruguay coach on deal through 2026 World Cup

The Daily Mail in London claimed UEFA made an “informal approach” to the Portuguese soccer federation in case any post-election unrest put Istanbul in doubt to host the final on June 10.

“UEFA has no discussions to the contrary with any political institutions, governments or national football associations,” the body said in a statement responding to what it called “some inaccurate and unfounded media reports.” The Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul was scheduled to host the final in both 2020 and 2021 until health rules during the coronavirus pandemic made it impractical. The Portuguese soccer federation and government stepped in both times. Lisbon staged a delayed eight-team mini-tournament, including the final with no fans, in August 2020.

In May 2021, Porto staged an all-English final with only 14,000 people able to attend Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City.

Also Read'It’s all lies': Cristiano Ronaldo's mother slams claims about girlfriend…While You Were Asleep: Advantage Jose Mourinho over Xabi Alonso, Juventus…Cristiano Ronaldo might return to Real Madrid – ReportMarcelo Bielsa set to become Uruguay coach on deal through 2026 World Cup

Man City could be back in the final this season. The English champions host Real Madrid on Wednesday in the second leg of the semifinals after a 1-1 draw in Spain. Inter Milan leads AC Milan 2-0 ahead of their second leg on Tuesday.