UEFA blasted for final ticket prices

UEFA competitions director Giorgio Marchetti struggled yesterday to defend the prices, claiming if they were any lower it would encourage the black market and explaining there will be some Category 4 tickets available at €95 for fans of the two clubs who reach the final.

But when asked what his message was to families hoping to attend, he said: “What can I say? These are the prices. It’s a slight increase to last year. But it’s the Champions League final which is the most remarkable club football event in the year.

“Obviously we have to benchmark these prices against comparable events like the final of the Euros and the final of the World Cup. We don’t think the Champions League final is over-priced. Do you think we would have difficulties in filling Wembley even if the prices were higher? We try to strike a balance between supporters and the interest of the competition.”