Host wanted
Only second division relegation battle in the Wiesbaden BRITA arena – and a few weeks later Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo wrestle for Europe’s football crown in the same place? A not impossible scenario that is currently circulating in the discussions about a continuation of the Champions League.
Background: The city of Frankfurt has generally expressed interest in holding the planned blitz tournament in the “premier class” in August. This was confirmed by Markus Frank (CDU), Head of Sports in the main metropolis, on Thursday of the German Press Agency. In addition to Frankfurt, three other cities would have to be available for his Champions League project – and that within a radius of 100 kilometers.
“Frankfurt is always able to help,” said Frank. “Of course we are interested, even if it is held differently than usual.” The finals in the “premier class” should have taken place last Saturday in Istanbul. Because of the Corona crisis, the European Cup season is currently interrupted. According to media reports, the European Football Union UEFA will give the final to another city because of the pandemic.
(Display: The Bundesliga final live on Sky from € 9.99)
Germany and Portugal are the candidates for the final knockout rounds from the quarter-finals and the final, according to information from the US news agency AP. At first she had “Bild” newspaper reports that Frankfurt wants to apply. However, the host must name four stadiums for the four quarter-finals, two semi-finals and the final, which are to be played within about ten days.
Champions League: Focus on stadiums in Darmstadt and Wiesbaden
All around Frankfurt, the Opel Arena in Mainz and the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim stadium in Sinsheim could be considered. According to “Bild”, further possibilities would be the smaller stadiums of the second division clubs SV Darmstadt 98 and SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The newspaper also writes about applicants from Portugal and Russia. The tournament should take place without spectators, as is currently the case in the Bundesliga. According to the AP, the final will take place in August. The decision will be made at the UEFA Executive Committee meeting on June 17.
From the Bundesliga, RB Leipzig is already qualified for the quarter-finals. FC Bayern Munich won the first knockout round first leg against Chelsea 3-0, but still have to play the return leg. Borussia Dortmund has dropped out in a duel with Paris Saint-Germain.
