Dublin could host Champions League games next week.
The Aviva Stadium in Dublin could host Champions League matches next week following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, according to reports.
The death of the 96-year-old British monarch is set to lead to a period of national mourning in the United Kingdom. The staging of sport is expected to be affected during this period with events called off.
It is currently unclear if Premier League and English Football League games will be staged during this time. This weekend’s games involving Premier League and EFL clubs, from September 9 to September 11, have been called off as a mark of respect.
It is also to be decided if matches in Uefa competitions involving British teams will go ahead next week.
According to The Irish Sun, Premier League clubs involved in Uefa competitions are examining the prospect of staging matches on natural venues next week, with Dublin an appealing destination due to its close proximity.
NEW: official guidance recommends sports bodies consider cancelling events on day of state funeral but no obligation for other days pic.twitter.com/XDf7qNnTnF
— Martyn Ziegler (@martynziegler) September 9, 2022
Three English clubs are due to play at home in the Champions League next week. Liverpool are due to host Ajax at Anfield on Tuesday, Manchester City are scheduled to play Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea face Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday.
Rangers are also due to play Napoli in the Champions League on Tuesday but the Scottish side would reportedly be highly unlikely to play in Dublin. Meanwhile, in the Europa League on Thursday, Arsenal are scheduled to play PSV Eindhoven at the Emirates Stadium.
If the English clubs cannot play in the UK during the period of mourning, and Uefa are unable to re-arrange the matches during a packed schedule ahead of the World Cup in November, then Dublin could potentially be used as a venue.
The Aviva Stadium has a capacity of 51,700 and hosted the 2011 Europa League final. The Republic of Ireland national team play their home games at the stadium.
Related links.
- Premier League and EFL postpone fixtures following death of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Jurgen Klopp responds to sack question after Napoli hammer Liverpool.
- Arsenal hold half-time minute’s silence after news of Queen’s death.
