London: Fans travelling to the Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea in Moscow this month were given a boost when the Russian government waived their normal requirements for entry.

Fans with a ticket for the May 21 final in Moscow will now be able to use their ticket as a visa entry into the country for 72 hours, with the exemption running from May 19 to May 23.

On arrival in Moscow, fans will need to present a valid ticket for the match, a valid passport and a completed immigration form, UEFA said.

Anyone who stays longer than the 72 hours will have to pay the fee for a regular visa on departure from the country.

"This is great news for football fans travelling to watch this year's UEFA Champions League final in Moscow," UEFA president Michel Platini said.

"For this I must thank wholeheartedly the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Russian government, the city of Moscow and the Football Union of Russia for this exceptional and unprecedented gesture."

Source : IANS