NYON: The Champions League final in Istanbul on May 29 should not be affected by a near three-week lockdown in Turkey to curb Covid-19 cases, UEFA said on Thursday.

Turkey has imposed a full lockdown from Thursday evening which ends on May 17 after the holy month of Ramadan ends and the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday is celebrated.

The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also aims to slow infection rates ahead of the summer tourism season that Turkeys economy relies on.

UEFA hopes fans traveling from outside Turkey will be among a limited number of spectators attending European soccer’s showpiece game at the 76,000-seat Atatrk Olympic Stadium.

Turkish authorities have assured that the temporary lockdown which is in force until 17 May should not have any impact on the match, UEFA said in a statement.

Istanbul is hosting the Champions League final one year after it was originally scheduled.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2021