Turkish media reports this evening suggest the UEFA Super Cup, currently scheduled for Belfast in August, could be moved to Istanbul.
The match will see the winner of this season's Champions League (either Manchester City or Chelsea) take on the winners of the Europa League (Manchester United or Villarreal) on August 11th.
The move would be a big blow for Belfast, and is likely part of a compensation package that has seen the Turkish capital miss out on the Champions League final for two years in a row due to the pandemic.
The decision hasn't been made final yet by UEFA but there are various media reports that the move is likely.
UEFA Super Cup set to be moved from Belfast to Istanbul. Decision not taken yet but 'likely' am told. Game between CL and EL winners due on 11 August, just before start of Premier League season. Move is part of compensation for Turkey missing out on CL final two years in a row.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) May 14, 2021
It would be a big financial blow to the Irish Football Association, with Windsor Park having been announced as the venue for the game back in September of 2019.
The game has moved around Europe over the last number of seasons, having been hosted exclusively in Monaco from 1998 to 2012.
IFA executive Patrick Nelson had said at the time in 2019 that getting the nod to host the match was a huge boost for the Association.
"This is fantastic news for everyone at the association, the city of Belfast and Northern Ireland as a whole.
"This confirms that, like us, UEFA believes the National Football Stadium is a compact world class venue capable of hosting high profile international and club matches. It is a huge feather in our cap.
Turkish media reporting that August's UEFA Super Cup set to be moved from Belfast to Istanbul. MU/Villarreal v Chelsea/MCFC. Istanbul is a top city, but Turkey currently red list. Would also be a shame for Belfast - and potentially the millions of Villarreal fans who live there.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) May 14, 2021
"I would like to congratulate everyone who contributed to the bid, and in particular bid leader Craig Stanfield, for putting together a compelling proposition for UEFA."
It will be a particular blow given the likelihood that the game could be an all-Premier League affair this year, if Manchester United were to see off their Spanish opposition in the Europa League final this month.
The match is to be held just three days before the start of the 2021/22 Premier League season, with Manchester City set to to defend their title as Gameweek One gets underway on Saturday, August 14th.
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