The delayed Champions League final is likely to be moved from Istanbul to either Germany or Portugal.
News agency Associated Press, quoting a source, has reported that the two European nations are in contention to host the final in August. A final decision on the venue is expected at the UEFA Executive Committee meet on June 17. The quarter-finals, semi-finals the summit clash will all take place in the same country.
The UEFA Champions League action has been suspended since March due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The final was originally scheduled to be played at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. However, the report suggest the title clash will be moved out of Istanbul.
To mitigate the threat of novel Coronavirus, it has been decided to stage all the remaining eight matches in a single country as against the tradition of hosting only the final at a neutral venue.
Even though no fans will be allowed for the remaining games, the preference for the venue will depend upon the location being accessible to players and officials.
Portugal president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa early this week has hinted at the Champions League games coming to the Iberian nation when he said there will be a potential good news for football in the country.
While Benfica and Sporting Lisbon are tipped to be the games in Lisbon, Frankfurt could be the likely host city iff hte
Two stadiums in Lisbon have been floated — with Benfica hosting the final and Sporting Lisbon’s venue also used. Frankfurt could be the likely venue if the event is hosts in Germany.