The Champions League is currently planned to be held at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul but COVID restrictions are likely to see the venue changed. Credit: (Photo by Onur Coban/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Portugal has emerged as the front-runner to host the Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City on 29 May following pressure to move the fixture away from Istanbul.

Talks between UEFA officials and the UK Government over quarantine rules for attending media, staff and VIPs took place on Monday. But they failed to come to an agreement.

And given Portugal’s green-list status for travel issued by the UK Government, travelers would be able to visit from 17 May without the need to self-isolate when they return.

https://twitter.com/FutbolBible/status/1392015529997709313

Who are the current hosts?

As it stands, the final is to be played at the Ataturk stadium in Istanbul.

But Turkey is in the middle of a surge in coronavirus infections which has meant the country is on the UK Government’s red list for foreign travel, the most severe travel restriction.

If the fixture was to remain in Istanbul, fans would not be allowed to travel from the UK to Turkey.

As a result, UEFA was urged to relocate the final to Wembley given that both finalists are English sides and that the UK Government is set to allow fans back into stadiums by 17 May, therefore allowing for a limited number of fans to attend.

Why is Portugal being considered?

Portugal now seems the likeliest venue to hold the tie between Chelsea and Manchester City.

Talks between the UK Government and UEFA to hold the tie at Wembley Stadium appeared to break down on Monday, as both could not agree on quarantine rules for media, staff and VIPs attending the game.

Unlike Turkey, Portugal is on the UK’s green list for travel, which means fans would not need to self-isolate upon returning.

Estádio da Luz
The Champions League final on May 29 could be held at either Benfica’s Estádio da Luz or Porto’s Estádio do Dragão. Credit: Getty Images

In addition, the Sky Bet Championship play-off final is set to be played at Wembley Stadium on the same day as the Champions League final.

And, despite EFL saying it is “willing to listen to moving the play-offs” to an alternative date, moving it until after the Champions League final may cause further disruption.

If UEFA chooses to hold the tie at Benfica’s Estádio de la Luz, it will be the second consecutive season the Champions League final has been held there.

If the game is moved to Portugal 6,000 fans from each club may be allowed to attend.