This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
On June 17, the UEFA Executive Committee will convene to decide the fate of the Champions League final, originally scheduled for May 30 at Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, UEFA has been exploring alternative host cities, including Lisbon and Frankfurt. Madrid has also thrown its hat into the ring, with the Spanish capital's mayor announcing a possible candidacy on Tuesday.
However, Turkish officials remain optimistic that Istanbul will be chosen to host the highly anticipated event.
“I have no doubt it will take place in the best way in Turkey. We’re confident that we will receive good news on June 17,” said Turkish Sports Minister Mehmet Kasapoglu in an interview with TRT Sport channel.
With Turkey having recorded around 173,000 cases of the virus and 4,746 deaths, officials and fans alike insist that the city remains a suitable host due to its relative success in fighting the pandemic.
