Kyiv expected to host 2018 Champions League final despite racism issue in Ukraine

  • Ukrainians expect Kyiv to be awarded the 2018 Champions League final
  • Kyiv’s official bid report was submitted to UEFA last month
  • Ground lined up is the 70,050-seat Olympic Stadium in the Ukrainian capital
  • Officials do not believe racism issues will hamper bid

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Oliver Todd for MailOnline

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Ukrainian officials are confident that Kyiv will be awarded the 2018 Champions League final despite problems with racism at games in their country.

Kyiv’s official bid report was submitted to UEFA last month as they look to host the showpiece event following this year’s final in Milan and the 2017 edition in Cardiff.

But the ground lined up, the 70,050-seat Olympic Stadium in the Ukrainian capital, saw black fans attacked during Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Dynamo Kyiv in October.

UEFA slapped Dynamo with a two-match stadium ban, with a third suspended, and they were also handed a €100,000 (£76,000) fine.

Ukrainian officials are confident that Kyiv's Olympic Stadium will be awarded the 2018 Champions League final

Ukrainian officials are confident that Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium will be awarded the 2018 Champions League final

Kyiv’s official bid report was submitted to UEFA last month as they look to host the showpiece event

Kyiv’s official bid report was submitted to UEFA last month as they look to host the showpiece event

OLYMPIC STADIUM

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Capacity: 70 050

Pitch size: 105m by 68m

Opened: 1923

Tenants: Ukraine national team, Dynamo Kyiv  (high-profile games) 

* Second largest in Eastern Europe

* Hosted Euro 2012 final 

However, preparations are already underway to make sure the Olympic Stadium fits European football’s governing body’s needs, with a decision expected this week.

Vice-president of the Ukrainian Football Federation (FFU) Igor Kochetov said: ‘There’s a high probability of receiving the rights for Olimpiysky (Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium).

‘We have to look closely at safety and security, although we already have experience after hosting Euro 2012 with security at high level.’

A date in Kyiv would be the most Eastern final since Manchester United beat Chelsea in Moscow on penalties back in 2008.

70,050-seat Stadium saw blacks fans attacked during Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Dynamo Kyiv in October

70,050-seat Stadium saw blacks fans attacked during Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Dynamo Kyiv in October

Dynamo Kyiv fans have gained a reputation for causing disruption - clashing with police in 2007

Dynamo Kyiv fans have gained a reputation for causing disruption – clashing with police in 2007

Dynamo Kyiv’s ban means Manchester City fans will not be able to attend the away leg of their last-16 Champions League tie with Sergei Rebrov’s side.

The incident involving the black supporters at the game against Chelsea caused further controversy when stadium director Volodimir Spilchenko said that he was willing consider the segregation of black fans.

A statement was later released to say the comments had been taken out of context. An appeal against UEFA’s ban will be considered on Monday next week.

The FFU want to allow police into Ukrainian stadiums to help combat their hooliganism problems. 

The stadium played host to Spain's 2012 4-0 European Championship final win over Italy

The stadium played host to Spain’s 2012 4-0 European Championship final win over Italy

 


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