June 4 – Having missed out on the Champions League final for two straight years because of Covid-19, Istanbul has again been snubbed in favour of Belfast for August’s traditional Super Cup fixture, this time between Chelsea and Villareal.
UEFA reportedly considered handing the annual fixture between the winners of the Champions League and Europa League to the Turkish city but opted to stick with its original decision of Windsor Park in Belfast.
Istanbul had been set to hold the Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea, only for it to be moved to Portugal.
Unconfirmed reports have suggested that had Manchester United beaten Villarreal in the semi-final, creating a higher profile Super Cup fixture, Istanbul would have been given the go-ahead. Instead Belfast got the nod.
“We have kept in close contact with our partners at UEFA on the matter and following these discussions we are delighted that they have confirmed that the game will stay in Belfast,” said Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson.
Irish FA President David Martin added: “This is massive for Northern Ireland, massive for the country, massive for the Irish Football Association and the game here.”
“It is the biggest game in the history of our sport here in Northern Ireland, certainly in recent times, and we would like to see a big, big crowd at the national stadium.
“All Covid issues will of course be taken into consideration but this is a time when we have to hope that things will be relaxed more and we can have a high percentage of people can attend in August.”
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