When it comes to organising major finals, UEFA have repeatedly shown that they often fall short of the standard required. It seems that this season's Champions League decider could once again fall into that category.
We all remember the scenes on show at the Euro 2020 final, where Wembley descended into chaos as ticketless fans somehow managed to get into the stadium for the game.
Last year's Champions League final was an even bigger failure, with the safety of both Liverpool and Real Madrid fans put at risk in Paris due to poor policing and a lack of organisation from the governing body. UEFA and French authorities would initially attempt to blame the supporters for what had happened, only to backtrack and commend them for their impeccable behaviour which had potentially saved lives.
While there have not been incidents of that nature on this occasion, it seems that poor organisation has resulted in some issues for supporters.
Stadium location wreaks havoc at Champions League final
The Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul is hosting the Champions League final for the second time this evening, having also been the location for the 2005 edition. While that particular game is remembered for Liverpool's remarkable comeback against AC Milan, those who were in attendance would be quick to tell you how unsuitable the venue was for such a big game.
The location of the ground caused major headaches for supporters 18 years ago, many of whom had to abandon their transport and walk for hours due to the traffic and poor links to the stadium on the outskirts of Istanbul.
Unfortunately, it seems similar scenes are unfolding in 2023.
Despite kick-off still being a number of hours away, some supporters have been forced to abandon their transport and have taken to walking them remainder of the distance to the ground.
A number of videos have been doing the rounds on social media highlighting the problems.
MAN CITY, INTER FANS FACING DELAYS GETTING TO STADIUM 🚗🏃🚙 Supporters jog through traffic to get to Atatürk Stadium, miles from Istanbul city center. Reports of 2-hour shuttle bus waits. All with UEFA mishandling of 2022 Paris Final fresh in memory.pic.twitter.com/OIrc2y9Zqh
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) June 10, 2023
15-mile journey from Istanbul to the Ataturk. Over two and a half hours to get to the stadium. And still four hours before kick-off. Still a pleasure… 🇹🇷
Wonder how Sheikh Mansour will be getting here 🤔#UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/u5RbfSrFs7— Aadam Patel (@aadamp9) June 10, 2023
I’m on one of the official fan shuttles that left the fan park at 3.15pm local and we are still not at the stadium. Istanbul traffic is shocking - the City fans I’m with are all glad they left in plenty of time pic.twitter.com/mIQgmnUzA9
— Natalie Pirks (@Natpirks) June 10, 2023
Total bottleneck around the stadium, traffic a standstill and many fans getting out to walk
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 10, 2023
Ataturk Stadium just under four hours before kick off in the Champions League final. Despite recommendations to use the shuttle buses instead of metro, now an estimated two-hour queue to get on one from city centre pic.twitter.com/RNCKaYbo4m
— Alan Smith (@alansmith90) June 10, 2023
Maybe the Metro has improved things a little, but not enough. How can this be your premier event of the year? https://t.co/XIwPBytn8Y
— Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) June 10, 2023
UEFA had insisted that there would be no repeat of the issues that had been present in the 2005 final, although they did ask fans to show up at the ground up to nine hours before kick-off. That hardly screams top notch organisation.
In all, this seems like yet another showpiece event that UEFA have made a mess of.
SEE ALSO: Scott Carson On The Verge Of Astonishing Champions League Achievement
