Going to watch English football is a pretty expensive business for fans these days. But Europes Champions League final in pricey Moscow could break the bank of many. Thats where Manchester United and Chelsea square up for the first ever all English final later this month. But for a lot of fans its their finances rather than the game itself which is the big talking point. Return flights to Moscow around the final have already soared to one thousand pounds. Thats up 750 pounds on the usual cost. For some a direct approach to the Russian capital is no longer an option. (SOUNDBITE)(ENGLISH) CHELSEA FAN TONY ALDERMAN SAYS: "I am sure there are enough "diehards" who would go. The guys who were sitting behind me last night, I mean, were talking of some kind of route through Belarus because it was considerably cheaper, well my adventure days are over I am afraid, I will leave it to them." Given the huge demand, tickets are also expected to fetch hundreds if not thousands of pounds. And with thousands more fans than hotel beds in Moscow accommodation wont be cheap either. But thats not all, theres additional concern about Russian red tape. (SOUNDBITE)(ENGLISH) CHELSEA FAN KAYLEIGH SMITH SAYS: "I think the problem is trying to get hold of a visa. Because obviously youve got to apply for it, no doubt you will have to go for an interview and then you have to wait all the time for it to get through and it will probably come after the game has happened, which wont be a lot of good for us," Officials from both clubs have been speaking with Russian authorities about simplifying the application process. And the latest word from Moscow is that special measures will be introduced to ensure fans with valid tickets get to the game. Darcy Lambton, Reuters.
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Added: May 3, 2008 |
| Category: News |
Author: reuters |
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