Fco Ups Safety Plans For Cl Final

With as many as 30,000 British fans expected to travel to Rome for the Champions League Final between Manchester United and Barcelona, the Foreign Office has been working with Italian authorities regarding concerns over safety issues.

Together, they have put several safety plans in place, as well as offering tips and advice to fans before they travel.

The Foreign Office has also predicted that the excitement generated by what critics are calling ‘the dream final’ will lead to more last-minute decisions to travel to Rome next week, thus increasing the likelihood that British fans will experience difficulties.

It is particularly concerned that the current economic climate means that more fans will be cutting corners and will decide against taking out travel insurance. This could have potentially disastrous consequences for football travellers, as a fall in Rome resulting in a broken leg could cost up to £2,500 without insurance.

The British Embassy in Rome, therefore, has a plan in place aimed at minimising issues and providing support for British fans in Rome including:

•    The FCO will provide a team of staff at both major airports (Fiumicino and Ciampino) to be on stand-by for advice and to help British fans in emergencies

•    There will be an official meeting point at Villa Borghese and free transport to and from the Stadio Olimpico for official fans and between Villa Borghese and the stadium for independent fans

•    There will be 36 hours cover from the FCO starting at 08.00 on 27th May, running through to 17.00 on 28th May to deal with any emergencies

•    There will be a team of local FCO staff devoted to the Champions League Final from 26th-28th May. Fans can call 0039 06 4220 0001 for assistance from the British Embassy in Rome. 

Fans can also visit www.fco.gov.uk/football for a full dedicated web page on safety and travel tips.