NYON: European football federation UEFA has dismissed reports that it may shift the Champions League Final from Istanbul for fear of domestic unrest after a likely presidential election run-off next month.

The Covid crisis forced the final to be switched from Istanbul in both 2020 and 2021 but UEFA has insisted there will be no repeat.

A statement said: “Following some inaccurate and unfounded media reports, UEFA would like to clarify the position . . . The 2023 Uefa Champions League final will take place in Istanbul as scheduled, on June 10, 2023. UEFA has had no discussions to the contrary with any political institutions, governments or national football associations.”

Those ‘unfounded media reports’ had suggested that Lisbon might be out on standby for the final.

The final will see holders Real Madrid or Manchester City face Internazionale or AC Milan.

###########