Liverpool’s flight delay to Germany disrupted their Champions League plans but the club is unlikely to face punishment from UEFA.
Liverpool’s travel plans to Germany were thrown into chaos on Tuesday after their flight to Frankfurt was delayed by nearly four hours due to a technical fault. The Reds, scheduled to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League on Wednesday, were stranded at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and forced to cancel their pre-match press conference.
Their flight eventually departed shortly before 8pm, meaning they missed the 6:30pm UK-time media session at the Deutsche Bank Arena. Under UEFA’s Article 48 regulations, clubs must arrive at the match city by the evening before the game and fulfil media obligations.
Failure to do so can lead to disciplinary action, but Liverpool are expected to avoid punishment since the delay stemmed from unavoidable technical issues. UEFA’s disciplinary body will make a final decision depending on the match delegate’s report.
Head coach Arne Slot insisted the setback would not affect preparations, saying, “No, it will not impact the build-up to tomorrow’s game. We have trained over here at the AXA (Training Centre)… that can never be an excuse for the game tomorrow.”
Liverpool, aiming to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat for the first time since 1953, will face Frankfurt on Wednesday night in a crucial group-stage clash.