Quarter-final second legs of UEFA Champions League are scheduled to take place this week on Tuesday and Wednesday
The UEFA Champions League final is scheduled to take place in Istanbul, Turkey on May 29th, but there are growing concerns that the match may have to be moved due to the recent unrest in the country. Turkey is currently in the midst of a political crisis, with tensions rising ahead of snap elections on June 24th.
The ruling AK Party, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is facing a strong challenge from opposition parties, who have accused the government of corruption and authoritarianism. The election campaign has been marked by violent clashes between rival groups and a crackdown on opposition voices by the government.
Against this backdrop, there are fears that the Champions League final could be targeted by protesters or that the security situation could deteriorate further. UEFA officials have already expressed their concerns about the situation, and there have been calls for the final to be moved to a different location.
One possible alternative venue is Lisbon, Portugal, which hosted last year’s Champions League final. The city has the necessary infrastructure and experience to host such a high-profile event, and it would provide a neutral and safe location for the match.
However, moving the final would be a major logistical challenge, and it would also be a blow to Istanbul, which has been preparing for the event for months. The final is expected to bring in millions of dollars in revenue for the city and provide a major boost to the local economy.
UEFA officials have yet to make a decision on whether to move the final, but they are expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks. Whatever the outcome, the situation in Turkey is a stark reminder of the challenges involved in hosting major sporting events in politically volatile regions, and it raises important questions about the role of sport in politics and society.
