UEFA is bracing itself for the possibility of a Rangers versus Liverpool Europa League final in Dublin, anticipating significant logistical challenges.
The governing body has earmarked the 82,000-capacity Croke Park stadium as a potential fan zone for the event.
However, there are concerns that even this large venue might not be sufficient to accommodate all the supporters who could flock to Dublin without match tickets, eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the match scheduled for Wednesday, May 22.
Both Rangers and Liverpool boast substantial fan bases in Ireland, adding to the anticipation surrounding the potential final at the Aviva Stadium.
Rangers are currently level with Benfica as they approach the second leg at Ibrox on Thursday, while Liverpool hold a commanding 5-1 lead against Sparta Prague, with the return leg scheduled at Anfield.
UEFA’s general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis said: “One of the biggest challenges for us this year could be the Europa League final.
“Under certain conditions, because of the potential teams that could qualify, this might end up being the most challenging for us.
“We know they will bring a number of supporters without tickets and then there is the issue of potential public viewing venues.
“We have already reserved Croke Park as a potential public viewing venue, but that could not be enough.
“There are a couple of pairings – I won’t speculate on the names but you are clever enough to work it out – that would be extremely challenging to find ways to accommodate everybody that will be present for that game.
“We are working on this already, together with the local authorities and also Football Supporters Europe.
“If we do get to one of those scenarios, we will also go to the supporters of the clubs involved to find the best solution.
“The biggest problem we have now is whether Croke Park would be big enough – because we think we would need more alternatives for public viewing for the people who will be in Dublin.
“It’s not an easy operation and it is just for a couple of scenarios which would make it extremely complicated – especially with clubs who already have a large fanbase on the island of Ireland.
“But we are working on it and will involve the fanbases as well. We have to see who gets to the semis and then we will start to work with them as well.”
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