UCL final: Real, Juve to play under closed roof

This year’s Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid will be contested in a closed roof at the principality stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

The decision to close the roof for safety and security reasons was taken following ‘discussions between all stakeholders’ in the wake of Monday’s terror attack in Manchester

As well as the final on June 3, the roof will be closed for the two official training sessions on June 2.

“Following discussions between all stakeholders, the Football Association of Wales (FAW), as the organizer of the event, has made the decision to close the roof of the National Stadium of Wales for the 2017 UEFA Champions League final – the roof will also be closed for the two official training sessions to be held at the Stadium on Friday 2 June,” a statement from the FAW read.

“The decision to close the roof was taken by the FAW taking into consideration the recommendations made by the authorities over the last few weeks. The two finalists have just been made aware of the decision.

“The 2017 UEFA Champions League Final will be the first final to have been played under a closed roof and will further amplify the stadium’s atmosphere when Juventus FC take on Real Madrid CF on Saturday 3 June.”

A statement from UEFA added: “UEFA’s priority for the UEFA Champions League final, as with all its matches, is to ensure that it is a safe and secure event for all stakeholders, from the participating teams to the supporters.

“We acknowledge the decision made by the Football Association of Wales, in consultation with the South Wales Police, to close the roof for safety and security reasons.”

Real Madrid will be hoping to win the trophy to become the first team to win and defend Europe most coveted trophy.