UEFA Responds Amid Calls to Change Europa League Final Venue After All-English Showdown is Confirmed
UEFA has reaffirmed its position following growing calls to move the venue of the upcoming Europa League final, which is set to feature two Premier League giants—Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Both English sides secured their spots in the final on Thursday, May 8, setting up a highly anticipated clash scheduled to take place at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21. The stadium, home to Athletic Club—United’s semi-final opponent—has a capacity of 53,289 and was selected well in advance as part of UEFA’s pre-established venue bidding process.
In the wake of both English teams reaching the final, a segment of fans and pundits have suggested that the final should be relocated to a more neutral and geographically convenient venue in the UK. The argument is largely based on travel costs and logistical burdens that will be placed on supporters hoping to attend the game in person. Holding the final in the UK, critics argue, would alleviate these concerns and better accommodate the fanbases of both clubs.
However, UEFA has made it clear that such a change is highly unlikely. Despite the calls, the European football governing body has not shown any indication that it will alter the final’s location. Each club is expected to receive an allocation of 15,000 tickets to distribute to their fans, while a further 11,000 tickets will be made available through a general sale. The remaining tickets will be reserved for corporate hospitality and sponsors.
Will UEFA Move the Final?
Based on precedent, the answer appears to be no. UEFA has consistently upheld its selection process, which involves a bidding procedure conducted years in advance. A notable example occurred in 2019, when Chelsea and Arsenal contested the Europa League final in Baku, Azerbaijan—a location criticized at the time for being difficult and expensive for supporters to reach. Travel alone took approximately six hours by air, and airlines raised prices due to the surge in demand.
In that instance, Arsenal publicly criticized UEFA in a formal letter, expressing “bitter disappointment” that only 6,000 tickets were allocated to their fans for a venue that could accommodate over 60,000 people. The club also highlighted the numerous logistical obstacles facing supporters, including limited flight options and inflated travel costs.
In response, UEFA explained that host venues are selected through a fair and transparent bidding process, typically completed years before the finalists are known. The governing body admitted that predicting an all-English final was difficult when the venue was chosen, and acknowledged the additional logistical challenges it posed. Nonetheless, UEFA stood by its decision, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the process and offering an apology for any inconveniences.
While some may hope that the situation in 2024 warrants an exception, it is important to remember that the circumstances are not nearly as extreme as they were in 2019. Bilbao is far closer to the UK than Baku, making it more accessible by comparison, even if it still presents challenges.
Has UEFA Ever Changed a Final Venue?
Yes—but only in extraordinary situations. The 2022 UEFA Champions League final, originally scheduled for Saint Petersburg, Russia, was moved to the Stade de France in Paris due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. That decision was driven by major geopolitical developments, not fan convenience or ticketing concerns.
In contrast, the current calls for a venue change do not arise from safety issues or any unforeseen emergency, but rather from concerns about accessibility and fairness to traveling fans. While those concerns are valid, they are unlikely to meet UEFA’s criteria for rescheduling.
What Has UEFA Said About This Year’s Final?
As of now, UEFA has not issued an official statement specifically addressing the calls to change the venue for the United vs. Spurs final. However, its existing policy, published on UEFA’s website, states:
“If the UEFA administration receives any such notification, or has any reason itself to believe that a match may not be able to be played as scheduled, it decides if any change will be made to the stadium, venue, date and/or kick-off time. Such a decision by the UEFA administration is final.”
That clause is generally reserved for situations where the venue is deemed unsuitable due to issues of safety, security, or other critical factors that would prevent the match from being played. In this case, San Mamés is more than capable of hosting a major European final, and logistical concerns—while frustrating for fans—are unlikely to warrant a venue change under UEFA rules.
Conclusion
In all likelihood, the Europa League final will proceed as planned in Bilbao on May 21. While supporters of Manchester United and Tottenham may be disheartened by the added travel burden, UEFA’s historical stance and commitment to its bidding process suggest that changes will not be made. Despite the outcry, the showpiece event remains on course to take place in the Basque country, in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
