Istanbul (AFP)
Turkey said it was "satisfied" on Wednesday to organize the final of the Champions League in 2021 instead of this year as initially planned, preferring to give up hosting a meeting without supporters against the backdrop of a pandemic.
UEFA announced on Wednesday that the C1 final scheduled for this year in Istanbul would be replaced by a final tournament in Lisbon, the Turkish megalopolis inheriting from the 2021 edition.
While the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) still expressed a few weeks ago its hope to organize the final this year, it welcomed this announcement.
"I thank the president of UEFA for making a decision that is beneficial for European and Turkish football," said TFF chief Nihat Ozdemir at a press conference in Istanbul.
Faced with the prospect of a fanless final due to the new coronavirus pandemic, the TFF asked UEFA to "give up its rights this year to host the one that will take place in 2021, in the presence of the public", he said.
"Rather than playing without supporters, I find the idea of organizing this final in the presence of 100,000 tourists who will generate a significant financial windfall (...) much more relevant," added Mr. Ozdemir.
The UEFA decision "satisfies us", added Turkish Sports Minister Mehmet Kasapoglu. "We will be hosting the final next year in the best possible way, which no one doubts," he added.
The match will take place at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, the same venue that hosted the C1 final in 2005 between Liverpool and AC Milan (Reds victory), a legendary match.
© 2020 AFP