Upon Manchester United’s arrival in Turkey, heavy rain has welcomed the team, raising concerns about the Champions League match against Galatasaray. Standing water on the pitch three hours before kick-off at Rams Park has fueled discussions about a potential postponement.
As the stakes are high with group-stage progression hanging in the balance, United aims for a crucial victory in Istanbul. Defeat would extinguish their hopes in this prestigious European competition, while a win would place their fate in their hands for the final matchday next month.
The challenging weather conditions in Istanbul have stirred apprehension, particularly with more rain in the forecast. While there’s currently no official indication of a game postponement from UEFA, continuous checks are being conducted as the kick-off approaches.
UEFA Regulations in Play:
In the event that the match cannot proceed, UEFA regulations, outlined in Article 27, provide guidance. According to the regulations, if a match cannot start or be completed, the full or remaining match time is typically played the next day. This is contingent on the home club securing necessary agreements for facilities and operations.
However, this poses a potential concern for Manchester United, given their Premier League clash against Newcastle just over 48 hours after a rescheduled match. UEFA and relevant authorities have the flexibility to explore options beyond the immediate next day, as stipulated in the regulations.
A crucial follow-up point in Article 27 emphasizes that if rescheduling on the following day is not feasible, UEFA administration can fix a new date during a reserve date or another suitable time. Rescheduling may deviate from the regular match calendar, but it must take place at the same venue.
As the anticipation builds and uncertainties loom, Manchester United and Galatasaray await the final decisions from UEFA, keeping fans and football enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.