LIVERPOOL’S Champions League last 16 away tie against RB Leipzig will be played in BUDAPEST, Uefa confirmed.
It follows after the German government banned travel to the country from areas that have mutant strains of the coronavirus, until February 17.
Liverpool’s Champions League last 16 away tie against RB Leipzig will be played in BudapestCredit: Getty Images – Getty
An application by Leipzig for special permission for Liverpool to enter the country was refused by federal police.
And now Uefa have announced the venue change with the 8pm UK kick-off time remaining the same.
They said: “UEFA would like to thank RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC for their close cooperation and assistance in finding a solution to the issue at hand, as well as the Hungarian Football Federation for their support and agreeing to host the match in question.”
The Puskas Arena in the Hungarian capital will now stage the game on February 16.
Bundesliga outfit Leipzig also considered moving the game to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but opted to stay in mainland Europe.
Manchester City are likely to play the first leg of their tie against Borussia Monchengladbach eight days later on neutral territory.
Their home matches in the second legs will go ahead as planned unless UK border regulations change.
Arsenal and Benfica, though, are now almost certain to have to play both legs of their Europa League last 32 tie on neutral grounds.
Uefa is expected to confirm the venues in the next 48 hours.
They recently insisted the delayed Euro 2020 will go ahead as scheduled this summer.
But Euro bosses have left themselves a get-out clause if the virus runs out of control and forces last-minute changes.
The viability of a tournament held in 12 nations has been under increasing question as the pandemic continues to hold sway across Europe.
But after a virtual meeting with all 12 planned host nations on Wednesday, Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed there were no current plans to rip up the current schedule.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
