Arsenal to Face Benfica at Neutral Ground Due to UK Travel Restrictions

Arsenal returns to Europa League action next month when they meet up with Benfica in the Round of 32. The first leg is scheduled to take place at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on February 18th, with the return match at the Emirates is just a week later.

There’s one small problem, however. Actually, it’s a big problem. Due to newly announced UK travel restrictions, it’s not clear where these matches will actually take place.

Of course, this sounds crazy, but it’s true, as the UK government introduced new COVID-related travel restrictions. These rules would require that those arriving from what have been deemed “high risk” countries to self-isolate for ten days at a government-sanctioned hotel – the countries on the list are all in Africa or Central and South America. The only exception being the inclusion of Portugal. I am no virologist, but why is Portugal the only European country considered high risk?

Regardless, under these rules, Arsenal players that make the trip to Portugal would have to quarantine for ten days upon return to London. Unfortunately, that would mean that those players would be self-isolating and not be available for the February 21st visit of Manchester City. Even crazier is that those same players, along with those from Benfica, would be unavailable to play in the second leg on February 25th at the Emirates. Try to wrap your head around that one.

Arsenal to face Benfica in Europa League at neutral venue

These new travel rules are an effort to prevent the spread of the new COVID variants developing throughout the world.

Prior to this week’s new restrictions, “elite athletes” were permitted to travel unabated. That has now changed, and international footballers will now have to abide by these rules just like everyone else. In other words no more quick jaunts to Dubai for Willian during the pandemic.

UEFA rules include a provision that allows for both legs to be played at neutral venues due to this current set of circumstances.

When asked about plans for the Benfica matches, Mikel Arteta said:

"“I don’t know what is going to be the solution. Whether it’s finding a different way with the quarantine rules or playing in a different ground, I don’t know which is best.“There are things that are decided that are not in my hands at the moment. We want to play the games and compete in Europe and we have to find a solution.”"

Arsenal and Benfica are currently in discussions with UEFA on trying to find a neutral venue in a country without travel restrictions. Stay tuned to find out where Arsenal and Benfica will meet in February.

Looking ahead, if the UK travel restrictions remain in place, FIFA is going to have a major problem during the March international break. Qualifying rounds for both the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations – Arsenal have four African players on their books – are scheduled at that time and would require a massive amount of travel for many players.