London (AP) – The English soccer champions Manchester City and Liverpool FC do not want to play the semi-finals in the FA Cup against each other as usual at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Meanwhile, the mayors of Manchester and Liverpool have stepped in to urge the FA to relocate to the north-west, where both clubs are based.
The background is the failure of train connections to London on the cup weekend 16./17. April. With rail work planned over Easter for several years, there are no direct services between Manchester and London or Liverpool and London on the days, making it difficult for supporters of both teams to travel to the game. Despite complaints from supporters of both clubs, the FA initially stuck with Wembley as the venue.
“Without fast, direct trains, many people will have no option but to drive, fly, take overly complex train journeys or book an overnight stay,” wrote Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotheram on Tuesday in a joint letter, warning of excessive costs and environmental impact. The game should take place in a stadium that is easier to reach.
In the other semi-final, club world champions FC Chelsea and Crystal Palace meet. With both clubs hail from London, most fans will not have any problems getting to the game.