MONTE CARLO: The road to Istanbul and the 2020 UEFA Champions League Final has officially begun following this season’s group stage draw in Monaco on Thursday – as the Turkish capital city prepares to stage an exceptional celebration for European football’s showpiece event.

After a thrilling schedule of UEFA Champions League group fixtures was announced, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) underlined its excitement and readiness to host next year’s Final, which is taking place in Istanbul for the second time in the competition’s history.

World football still vividly remembers the first Istanbul final in 2005 between Liverpool F.C. and A.C. Milan, which is widely considered one of the greatest UEFA Champions League Finals ever following the English side’s remarkable second half come-back.

Preparations are accelerating fast for the next year’s Final on 30 May 2020, which will again take place at Istanbul’s Atatürk Stadium. The stadium, which is currently undergoing comprehensive redevelopment and is set for completion in March, is shaping up to be a world-class, truly modern venue that will also retain a magicalatmosphere for more than 70,000 people expected to attend the match.

The choice of Istanbul to host the Final – following the decision by the UEFA Executive Committee in May 2018 – was seen as a strong demonstration by UEFA of its faith in the Turkish Football Federation’s ability to stage exceptional, world-class events and adds to the country’s already significant hosting experience. Alongside the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, Turkey has also hosted the 2009 UEFA Cup Final, the 2019 UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA U20 World Cup 2013.

Servet Yardımcı, vice-president of the TFF and UEFA exco member, said: “We cannot wait to share the magic of Istanbul with players and fans from across Europe and beyond at the 2020 UEFA Champions League Final. With the group stage draw taking place in Monaco yesterday, the road to Istanbul is well underway and the excitement is building for an event that is truly one of the crown jewels in the European and global football calendars.

“We are committed to being the best possible partner to UEFA and are determined to deliver an unforgettable Final that UEFA can be truly proud of, showcasing football and our nation to the world. The success of the 2019 UEFA Super Cup earlier this month illustrated once again that Turkey is a country that excels at organising international tournaments and events.

“Istanbul is a true football city with some of the most passionate fans in the world and will be an exceptional host to whichever finalists qualify for the big game. We wish all teams on the road to Istanbul the very best of luck as they compete for a place in the final and the chance to experience the incredible atmosphere at the newly redeveloped and state-of-the-art Atatürk Stadium.”

 

2020 UEFA Champions League Final ambassador Hamit Altintopwho made 82 international appearances for Turkey and represented Galatasaray, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, said:

 

“Having played in Istanbul and across Europe I am in no doubt that the city will host an unforgettable UEFA Champions League Final next year.

 

“An iconic, cutting-edge stadium combined with passionate, knowledgeable fans in a city with a fascinating history, rich traditions and a welcoming culture means the event will offer teams and fans an experience like no other.”

 

The 2020 UEFA Champions League Final identity [see below] was also unveiled by UEFA on Thursday. The design – by illustrator and Istanbul native Tolga Tarhan – is based on an abstract depiction of the city at sunset. Inspired by the rich colours of the Istanbul sky and the vivid lights of this bustling city, the scene features iconic landmarks such as the Galata tower, the aqueduct and the bridge across the Bosphorus.

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