Apparently posted on one of the other forums/message boards
Rumour (cannot reveal source obviously - source is not LFC) that Plan B is being discussed by the following - UEFA, FA, Russian FA, LFC, Chelsea, Man Utd, Home Office, Foriegn Office, Russian Government. various Police Forces, Local Government +.
Plan B will be considered if it is an All English Final.
It involves the following:
NO game in Moscow.
Wembley Stadium is not available that week due to other things in Brent.
2 legged final - like old UEFA Cup - away goals rule will not apply to avoid moaning about it - draw = penalties.
Probable Monday and Thursday of week beginning 19th May.
ticket prices will be hiked up (£80 cheapest possibly) - still cheaper than travelling to Russia. This is an accepted view by all 3 clubs. £160 to attend both games is much cheaper than what you pay to go to Moscow.
combined attendance will be approx. 100,000.
10% of capacity to away club.
clubs will not keep gate receipts
compensation package to Russian FA etc.
This plan has been put together by the various organisations but the prime mover was initially the Foriegn Office and stems from the worries they have of crowd trouble and the diplomatic relationship strains following Litvenyenko (spelling!) and the fact they will not be able to assist with any situations.
The following have expressed these views:
All Police Forces - fearful of massive problems for either LFC or Chelsea v Man Utd; they would have no liaison whatsoever with their Russian counterparts unlike what they would normally expect in a consultation role.
Government - see above about Foriegn Office
UEFA - major headaches about English fans and would be prepared to bite the bullet as it would save them potential disaster and hassle (visa's etc); Athens has been mentioned and they are listening to the governments; they have a major issue about the strained relationship between UK Government and Russian Government - in fact they are petrified.
FA - worried about fans safety and hooligan issues; they say potential for problems with Russian fans (even if Barcelona get through) but that can not be used as a reason; worried about World Cup bid - English fighting English abroad.
Russian Government - very reluctant to speak to anyone English; Chelsea's stooges have done a lot of mediating; basically they dont want the hassle of it and can do without it at the moment; they seem to be happy with UEFA compensation package.
Chelsea - very surprising; Abramovich is worried (he would know a bit) about 50-60,000 Englisg fans in Moscow; they are trying to build brand Chelsea in Russia and fear the problems far outweigh the the potential $£; club issues with visa's and fan safety.
Liverpool - very worried after Athens debacle; lack of trust in UEFA organisation.
Man Utd - no surpirse here - there view about safety issues, admin problems was dwarfed by their reluctance to the plan - they are convinced that UEFA will do everything possible to make sure Barcelona get through to avoid having to use Plan B; they also wanted to keep a % of the gate receipt as they will get a bigger attendance.
Meetings are taking place at a rapid rate and the 3 Local Grounds are applying for safety certificates as a must requirement.
No one will know until the 2nd leg at Old Trafford on 29th April but watch this space as things progress and leaks will happen.
Rumour (cannot reveal source obviously - source is not LFC) that Plan B is being discussed by the following - UEFA, FA, Russian FA, LFC, Chelsea, Man Utd, Home Office, Foriegn Office, Russian Government. various Police Forces, Local Government +.
Plan B will be considered if it is an All English Final.
It involves the following:
NO game in Moscow.
Wembley Stadium is not available that week due to other things in Brent.
2 legged final - like old UEFA Cup - away goals rule will not apply to avoid moaning about it - draw = penalties.
Probable Monday and Thursday of week beginning 19th May.
ticket prices will be hiked up (£80 cheapest possibly) - still cheaper than travelling to Russia. This is an accepted view by all 3 clubs. £160 to attend both games is much cheaper than what you pay to go to Moscow.
combined attendance will be approx. 100,000.
10% of capacity to away club.
clubs will not keep gate receipts
compensation package to Russian FA etc.
This plan has been put together by the various organisations but the prime mover was initially the Foriegn Office and stems from the worries they have of crowd trouble and the diplomatic relationship strains following Litvenyenko (spelling!) and the fact they will not be able to assist with any situations.
The following have expressed these views:
All Police Forces - fearful of massive problems for either LFC or Chelsea v Man Utd; they would have no liaison whatsoever with their Russian counterparts unlike what they would normally expect in a consultation role.
Government - see above about Foriegn Office
UEFA - major headaches about English fans and would be prepared to bite the bullet as it would save them potential disaster and hassle (visa's etc); Athens has been mentioned and they are listening to the governments; they have a major issue about the strained relationship between UK Government and Russian Government - in fact they are petrified.
FA - worried about fans safety and hooligan issues; they say potential for problems with Russian fans (even if Barcelona get through) but that can not be used as a reason; worried about World Cup bid - English fighting English abroad.
Russian Government - very reluctant to speak to anyone English; Chelsea's stooges have done a lot of mediating; basically they dont want the hassle of it and can do without it at the moment; they seem to be happy with UEFA compensation package.
Chelsea - very surprising; Abramovich is worried (he would know a bit) about 50-60,000 Englisg fans in Moscow; they are trying to build brand Chelsea in Russia and fear the problems far outweigh the the potential $£; club issues with visa's and fan safety.
Liverpool - very worried after Athens debacle; lack of trust in UEFA organisation.
Man Utd - no surpirse here - there view about safety issues, admin problems was dwarfed by their reluctance to the plan - they are convinced that UEFA will do everything possible to make sure Barcelona get through to avoid having to use Plan B; they also wanted to keep a % of the gate receipt as they will get a bigger attendance.
Meetings are taking place at a rapid rate and the 3 Local Grounds are applying for safety certificates as a must requirement.
No one will know until the 2nd leg at Old Trafford on 29th April but watch this space as things progress and leaks will happen.
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