Upcoming European ties for Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are set to be moved to neutral venues, reports suggest.
European Ties to be Moved For Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City
Restrictions Set to Move European Fixtures
Travel bans for people entering Germany and Portugal could prevent the last-16 Champions League tie between Manchester City and Borussia Mönchengladbach from taking place at Borussia Park.
The United Kingdom currently sits on a blacklist for travellers crossing borders, due to mutated strains of Covid-19.
The German government have confirmed that Liverpool will not be allowed to travel, forcing opponents RB Leipzig to search for alternative solutions.
Arsenal are in a similar situation, with their Europa League tie against Benfica set to be moved to a neutral venue.
Manchester City’s match against Borussia Mönchengladbach is set to take place the week after the German restrictions expire.
If they are extended, City will find themselves in a similar situation as Premier League rivals Liverpool.
European Ties Set to Be Moved
UEFA confirmed that ties would be able to be moved to neutral venues if it wasn’t possible for the original fixture to be played.
Discussions are ongoing to decide whether or not matches may also be played as single-legged ties if they’re to be re-arranged.
A final solution would be to reverse the fixtures, meaning the side scheduled to play away in the first leg would have their home leg first. However, that would eliminate the advantage gained by the team that won the group.
COVID-19 Disrupts European Football Yet Again
One of the earliest victims of the pandemic was select matches in last season’s Champions League being moved behind closed doors.
The final matches of the 2019/20 tournament were all played at neutral venues in Lisbon, Portugal.
UEFA have not been afraid to move fixtures to ensure European fixtures are played out and they’re set to make arrangements to make sure this season’s tournament is completed.
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