UEFA rebuts claim Istanbul in doubt as Champions League final host after election

UEFA denied a newspaper suggestion that the Champions League final might be played in Lisbon if Turkey’s elections cause unrest.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is fighting to keep his 20-year presidency. He’s running for a third term Sunday.

The London Daily Mail reported that UEFA made a “informal approach” to the Portuguese soccer association in case post-election turbulence prevented Istanbul from hosting the June 10 final.

In response to “some inaccurate and unfounded media reports,” UEFA stated it had no discussions with political institutions, governments, or national football associations.

The 2020 and 2021 finals were slated for Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium until health regulations during the coronavirus outbreak made it unfeasible. The Portuguese soccer federation and government intervened twice. In August 2020, Lisbon held a delayed eight-team mini-tournament, including a fanless final.

In May 2021, Porto hosted an all-English final with barely 14,000 fans watching Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0.

Man City might reach the final again this season. After a 1-1 draw in Spain, the English champions play Real Madrid on Wednesday. Inter Milan leads AC Milan 2-0 before their Tuesday second match.