Chelsea v Villarreal Uefa Super Cup clash in Belfast will bring economic boost, says IFA though concerns remain over number of fans

A spokesperson for the IFA told the Belfast Telegraph that talks are ongoing with the Executive on that issue.

Uefa, European football's governing body, are also involved in discussions with all parties preparing to finalise arrangements in line with Covid regulations.

It is hoped that that more light will be shed on the potential attendance tomorrow after an Executive meeting.

Last week Linfield played a Europa Conference League game against Bosnian outfit Boruc Banja Luka at Windsor and 980 socially distanced home fans were allowed to attend.

For the Super Cup the football authorities are hoping for a significantly higher number than that, going into the thousands, but appreciate the situation Stormont ministers are in at present.

A big question for all involved is if and how many supporters would be allowed to travel over from England and Spain respectively to cheer on their teams with Chelsea qualifying for the Super Cup final after defeating Manchester City 1-0 in May's Champions League decider and Villarreal travelling to Belfast courtesy of their dramatic penalty shoot-out success over Manchester United in the Europa League final.

Chelsea is a well-supported club in Northern Ireland and thousands of their followers based around the country would love to attend.

Previously there have been suggestions that the match would be taken away from Belfast but the IFA insist they are planning full steam ahead for the Super Cup at Windsor on August 11.

‘We continue to engage regularly with the Northern Ireland Executive to finalise plans and arrangements for the Uefa Super Cup in line with Covid regulations," said an IFA spokesperson.

‘It is one of the biggest club games in the global football calendar and we have worked tirelessly over many years to bring it to Belfast, which will showcase our capital city, and Northern Ireland, as a brilliant tourist destination. It will bring additional economic benefits to different industries across the city.

‘We know many people won’t be able to attend the game itself and so have embarked on a country wide tour to engage with as many people as possible by bringing the trophy ‘on the road’ to summer camps, to some of our iconic landmarks as well as surprising some Northern Ireland fans by arriving with it on their doorstep.

"Irish FA board and council members have all had the chance to be pictured with it too and we have further plans in place to work with partners and stakeholders, both in and outside of the game, before the fixture itself is upon us."

A temporary giant marquee has already been erected just outside Windsor Park. That will host all the visiting Uefa officials and dignitaries prior to kick-off next month.

Chelsea have played in the Super Cup on four previous occasions winning the trophy in 1998 and losing in the final in 2012, 2013 and 2019 when Liverpool defeated them on penalties.

With the new football season nearing, the return of fans to grounds is under the spotlight.

Attendance at Irish League grounds was limited to around 600 fans up until Christmas, while most of the second half of the campaign was played behind closed doors.

The vast majority of the English and Scottish seasons were also played without fans, however, it is hoped that English grounds will be full for the new campaign.

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