Villa Park reportedly offered to host Champions League final

The Doug Ellis stand at Aston Villa. Picture: AMA.

After Chelsea overcame Real Madrid last night they set up an all-English final and will now face Manchester City on May 29.

The clash is due to be held in Istanbul but with Turkey struggling with Covid-19 infection rates and the two finalists hailing from England – fans, pundits and politicians have called for the final to be moved to the UK to avoid the teams and supporters travelling abroad to the game.

As a result, Villa have reportedly approached the FA and UEFA to offer up Villa Park as an alternative venue.

Both Chelsea and City are set to be given 4,000 tickets each for fans to attend the game and the possibility of keeping them in the country and avoiding the international travel is thought to be the preferred option for officials in England.

UEFA, however, are reportedly still committed to keeping the final in Istanbul with logistic issues a major stumbling block in moving the final venue with just over three weeks to go.

Villa Park is also not up to UEFA standards to host the Champions League final and they would need to make substantial changes to the media facilities, press box and camera positions.

However, if the Turkish government decide that hosting the final may be unsafe due to Covid-19 or logistically difficult, then the venue could be changed.

The UK government are also set to announce their travel corridors in the coming days and if Turkey is not included on the list of destinations people are allowed to visit, then Chelsea and City supporters would not be allowed to travel and attend the game.

That could also work in Villa’s favour who are understood to be keen to host the final.

Villa Park has previously held a major European competition when it hosted the last ever UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1999.

In front of 33,021 supporters Lazio beat Mallorca 2-1 when Pavel Nedved netted an 81st minute winner.

By Liam Keen

Sports Reporter

Sports journalist at the Express & Star, primarily covering Walsall FC and grassroots sport across the Black Country and Staffordshire. Got a story? Get in touch on 01902 319456.