The Russian authorities have announced that the fans of Manchester United and Chelsea will be allowed into Moscow without a visa to watch their teams play in the final of Europe's UEFA Cup. The fans will be able to escape Russia & rsquo; s stringent visa restrictions known simply by presenting a valid match tickets upon arrival. The 42,000 fans who are valued for match tickets for Moscow welcome the Russian authorities &; rsquo; the announcement, especially as there were fears that Britain & rsquo; the ongoing political tension with Russia s prevent attempts to ensure a & ; Lsquo; visa-free & rsquo; affair. The decision visa-free also take the pressure off the Russian embassy staff overload, which is working non-stop to try and publish visas to thousands of supporters in time for the final, which takes place May 21. The visa-free deal proposed by the Russian authorities will allow Manchester United and Chelsea fans to use their tickets for the match as a substitute seen a period of 72 hours between 19 and 23 May. In addition to their ticket match, fans will also present their passports and a completed questionnaire to immigration authorities when they arrive on Russian soil. Those who overstay the visa-free period of 72 hours will be forced to pay the normal fee for a visa around  £ 150 –  £ 200 on his departure. The announcement Russian visa comes after a series of discussions between Michel Platini, president of UEFA (http://www.uefa.com/) and the Russian government. Mr. Platini said that the granting of Russian was seen & ldquo; exceptional and unprecedented & rdquo; and a & ldquo; decision. & Historical; rdquo; addition exclaimed that the announcement was expected for some time & ldquo; great news. & rdquo; said: & ldquo; This is great news for fans traveling to watch this year 'UEFA Champions League final in Moscow knows. Our job is to make sure that they can easily get to and from Moscow as possible. So are extremely pleased that my request, all fans traveling with a valid match ticket can use this to enter territory. & Russian; rdquo; Mr. Platini also thanked Russia for their cooperation. He said: & ldquo; I must thank wholeheartedly the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin of the Russian government, the city of Moscow and of the game of football to Russia. & Rdquo; The decision has obviously reduced the application of visas, as Manchester United and Chelsea fans who are hoping to travel independently in Russia and buy a ticket for the match in Moscow should have their visas processed in time. However, the office of the British Commonwealth and is recommending foreign supporters in this situation not to travel to Moscow &; ldquo; if they do not have a ticket or accommodation beforehand. & Rdquo; Source: IndependentGuardian
Karri Madelline
