Europa League final in Gdansk to host up to 9,500 spectators, ticket sales begin

Access to the stadium in Gdańsk “may include the need for proof of a vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test result,” UEFA said.

Gdańsk is staging the Europa League final one year after its original hosting date was postponed during the coronavirus pandemic. Last year’s competition was completed as a mini-tournament in Germany.

The Europa League final in Gdansk on May 26 will be allowed to host up to 9,500 spectators after Europe's soccer governing body UEFA said it had received approval from the Polish authorities. UEFA has started selling tickets for the summit clash.

The final will be held at Stadion Energa in Gdansk at a stadium capacity of 25 per cent, with both finalists receiving 2,000 tickets each and 2,000 tickets to be offered to the general public.

The remaining tickets will be allocated to the local organising committee, UEFA and national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters.

"The Polish authorities have confirmed a stadium capacity of 25% for the final, amounting to 9,500 spectators," UEFA said in a statement on Monday.

Spectators may be required to show proof of a vaccine or a negative COVID-19 result, UEFA said.

"Supporters travelling from outside of Poland will have to comply with border entry restrictions and requirements that will be in force at the time of the final. No exemptions will be granted to ticket holders," UEFA added.

Manchester United will play away to AS Roma on Thursday in the second leg of the semifinal, having won 6-2 in the first leg. Villarreal will travel to London to face Arsenal in the second leg after it defeated the English side 2-1 at home.

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The British government currently advises “against all but essential travel” to Poland with stated exemptions for elite athletes but not spectators. Visitors to Poland must currently self-isolate when they return.

Access to the stadium in Gdańsk “may include the need for proof of a vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test result,” UEFA said.

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Ticket prices range from 40 euros ($48) to 130 euros ($157) with 2,000 being sold to fans worldwide in a ballot through UEFA’s website. Applications close on Friday. UEFA has allocated 3,500 seats in total for local organizers, international football officials, sponsors and broadcasters.

UEFA said it “will reimburse the full price of the ticket to successful buyers should a reduction to the stadium capacity be announced by the local authorities at a later stage.”

Gdańsk is staging the Europa League final one year after its original hosting date was postponed during the coronavirus pandemic. Last year’s competition was completed as a mini-tournament in Germany.