Real Madrid lobby UEFA to change venue for Man City tie
Are Man City facing another battle against UEFA?
The Sky Blues are presently waiting to find out the result of their appeal to CAS against a 2-year UEFA ban from competing in any European competition.
At the same time, the Athletic have today confirmed that City’s relationship with UEFA could further be soured after Real Madrid have actively begun applying pressure to have their Champions League last-16 tie against City moved from the Etihad Stadium.
As confirmed by reporter David Ornstein, Real Madrid have two lines of argument for playing the Man City game at a neutral venue:
Sources say Real Madrid are lobbying to have the game switched from Manchester to a neutral location — most likely Lisbon before the eight-team mini-tournament in the Portuguese capital to finish this season’s competition — because of concerns over coronavirus in England.
At present, visitors to the UK are lawfully required to undergo a two-week quarantine period upon landing in the country, while also providing border authorities with an address where they will stay for the duration.
Real Madrid are said to be arguing that even if special waivers are granted, such circumstances would mean it is inappropriate for an international football game to take place at City’s Etihad Stadium.
Exclusive: Arsenal preparations for PL return were thrown into chaos when a player tested +ve for #COVID19 & 2 more had been in ‘close contact’. Trio missed 3 days training before -ve tests cleared all on eve of Man City to train/play. @TheAthleticUK #AFC: https://t.co/kJ0gin3YD5
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 22, 2020
How likely is it that Real Madrid are successful in switching locations for the Man City tie?
On May 10, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that all travellers entering the UK must spend two-weeks in quarantine when they enter the country.
Many wondered how this travel rule would impact the five UK clubs still competing in UEFA’s competitions this season.
However, at the start of June, the Times indicated that these quarantine measures wouldn’t be applied to football. Readers were told:
Sport in Britain is to receive a significant boost from the government with quarantine rules set to be relaxed for football clubs involved in European competitions, and Formula One teams.
As well as the F1 races, the exemption will allow Manchester City and Chelsea to continue their Champions League round-of-16 games, and for Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Glasgow Rangers to play in the Europa League.
TIMES SPORT: Quarantine relaxed for elite sport #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/a41vTNiwBF
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) May 31, 2020
Yet, while the Times suggested that football would bypass these quarantine measures, the Athletic have today confirmed that the UK government have yet to authorise this action.
Nevertheless, the Athletic outline that it’s unlikely Real Madrid will convince UEFA to move this Champions League last-16 second-leg away from the Etihad Stadium:
Real Madrid hold significant sway at UEFA but it is hoped the matter will resolve itself as lockdown loosens by August, when the second leg is scheduled to be played. The UK government’s regulations will be re-assessed at the end of June.
Man City lead Real Madrid 2-1
Of course, Real Madrid have a mountain to climb against Man City.
The Sky Blues won their first-leg in the Santiago Bernabeu.
Goals from Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne lead Man City to a 2-1 away win in Madrid in their first-leg.
Man City may not play in 2020-21 Carabao Cup
Prior to the UK lockdown, Man City beat Aston Villa to win the Carabao Cup for a third season in a row.
However, as reported in the Times, it’s possible that the Sky Blues won’t defend their trophy next season. The Times note:
The dates for the Champions League and Europa League were announced on Wednesday, with two rounds likely to clash with the League Cup, which would effectively rule out the English clubs competing in Europe from taking part in the domestic competition.
This will include City, if the club win their appeal against a two-year ban from Uefa competitions.
Manchester City vs Burnley FC live streaming & betting tips.
