Rumour about changing CL Final

[Cunny]

This was posted on TLW by a poster who lifted it from RAOTL

 

Rumour (cannot reveal source obviously - source is not LFC) that Plan B is being discussed by the following - UEFA, FA, Russian FA, LFC, Chelsea, Man Utd, Home Office, Foriegn Office, Russian Government. various Police Forces, Local Government +.

 

Plan B will be considered if it is an All English Final.

 

It involves the following:

 

NO game in Moscow.

Wembley Stadium is not available that week due to other things in Brent.

2 legged final - like old UEFA Cup - away goals rule will not apply to avoid moaning about it - draw = penalties.

Probable Monday and Thursday of week beginning 19th May.

ticket prices will be hiked up (£80 cheapest possibly) - still cheaper than travelling to Russia. This is an accepted view by all 3 clubs. £160 to attend both games is much cheaper than what you pay to go to Moscow.

 

combined attendance will be approx. 100,000.

10% of capacity to away club.

clubs will not keep gate receipts

compensation package to Russian FA etc.

 

This plan has been put together by the various organisations but the prime mover was initially the Foriegn Office and stems from the worries they have of crowd trouble and the diplomatic relationship strains following Litvenyenko (spelling!) and the fact they will not be able to assist with any situations.

 

The following have expressed these views:

 

All Police Forces - fearful of massive problems for either LFC or Chelsea v Man Utd; they would have no liaison whatsoever with their Russian counterparts unlike what they would normally expect in a consultation role.

Government - see above about Foriegn Office

UEFA - major headaches about English fans and would be prepared to bite the bullet as it would save them potential disaster and hassle (visa's etc); Athens has been mentioned and they are listening to the governments; they have a major issue about the strained relationship between UK Government and Russian Government - in fact they are petrified.

FA - worried about fans safety and hooligan issues; they say potential for problems with Russian fans (even if Barcelona get through) but that can not be used as a reason; worried about World Cup bid - English fighting English abroad.

Russian Government - very reluctant to speak to anyone English; Chelsea's stooges have done a lot of mediating; basically they dont want the hassle of it and can do without it at the moment; they seem to be happy with UEFA compensation package.

Chelsea - very surprising; Abramovich is worried (he would know a bit) about 50-60,000 Englisg fans in Moscow; they are trying to build brand Chelsea in Russia and fear the problems far outweigh the the potential $£; club issues with visa's and fan safety.

Liverpool - very worried after Athens debacle; lack of trust in UEFA organisation.

Man Utd - no surpirse here - there view about safety issues, admin problems was dwarfed by their reluctance to the plan - they are convinced that UEFA will do everything possible to make sure Barcelona get through to avoid having to use Plan B; they also wanted to keep a % of the gate receipt as they will get a bigger attendance.

 

Meetings are taking place at a rapid rate and the 3 Local Grounds are applying for safety certificates as a must requirement.

 

No one will know until the 2nd leg at Old Trafford on 29th April but watch this space as things progress and leaks will happen.

 

Just give Barca a bye to the final and problem sorted.

[Guest Snorky]

UEFA will not move it.

[Mike]

no way.

 

plenty of stadiums they could shift a one off game to, like hampden. the final has never been over two legs and never will.

[Swipe]

A two-legged final?

 

No chance.

 

Think the FA have already said they're happy with Moscow to host the final even if it's two english teams.

 

No way the biggest game of the year will be taken off them

[CarraLegend]

Same rumour as last year and bulls**** again.

[Earl Hafler]

So it would be impossible to stage in Cardiff ?

[Sion]

That is one stupid rumour. If they're gonna move it, they'd play it at the emirates or cardiff if Wembley wasn't available, 2 legged tie would just be ridiculous.

[Florist Cinema Pond Goal]

What about Hampden. Or the Emirates.

[Kahnee]

What about Hampden. Or the Emirates.

Or the fact it won't get moved

[stressederic]

Never happen. It'll be played in Moscow.

[MFletcher]

No chance.

[dorgie]

Stupid rumour.

 

The ease at which the English clubs are reaching the semi finals these days means that UEFA would have to consider changing the final every year.

[Billy Dane]

Absolute twaddle. I assume this rubbish isn't being bandied about on non LFC sites?

 

Too many people going to screw too much money out of the fans that go to Moscow for it to be changed.

[Jarg Armani]

Stupid rumour.

 

The ease at which the English clubs are reaching the semi finals these days means that UEFA would have to consider changing the final every year.

 

or just have it at anfield every year.

[Tetti]

A different rumour I heard was that Athens was the fall back venue if Moscow fell through . As was Istanbul for Athens. Which may well all be true. But I just don't believe they will acknowledge they screwed up with giving it to Moscow. Compensation would be huuuuuge.

[surf]

No chance.

 

Would be nice if the refs were told it would be nice to avoid the troubles of an all English final

Edited April 14, 2008 by surf

[Cam]

Not gonna happen 'cos it's too good an idea (moving it - not the 2-legged part).

 

Stadia around Europe ought to be on standby from the quarter-finals onwards. If not for this scenario then certainly for the danger of a club playing at 'home' (a la Roma in '84).

[MFletcher]

Any organisation which takes a cup final to a country where you actually have to apply for a Visa before you know if your team are even going is not fit for purpose.

[Gunga Din]

simple solution. get a bent ref to see to it the Mancs go out. problem solved

[Ostrich Man]

or just have it at anfield every year.

too small.

[AmassiveSlot]

simple solution. get a bent ref to see to it the Mancs go out. problem solved

 

 

Like you need a bent ref... im sure Barca will see to that with out the ref on there side... although id love to hear Slur alex moaning for the next 5 years...

[Maldini]

We've seen the major balls-up they make of arrangements when they have a year or more to prepare the venue, can you imagine the mess if they switch it last minute.

 

Having said that, it really would be a good idea to move it to England.

[Gomez]

b****x.

[magneto]

Accomodation around the Luzhniki has been booked out completely.

 

Bulls*** story.

[Behind Enemy Lines]

simple solution. get a bent ref to see to it the Mancs go out. problem solved

Have you seen Barca play recently? - they will need more than a bent ref I'm afraid