The 2020-21 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League Final will take place at Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal, instead of Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, the European football governing body announced on Thursday.

"The UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City FC and Chelsea FC will be held at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto on 29 May 2021, kick off 2100 CEST, following an offer to stage the game by the Portuguese FA (FPF) and the Portuguese authorities," the body said in a statement.

Six thousand fans of each team will be allowed in for the annual grand finale of European football.

"The decision does not come without big regret for the work that the Turkish football authorities have done over the last two years to ensure the successful staging of the final in Istanbul. UEFA is grateful also for their continued partnership and cooperative spirit, as well as the understanding they showed in this particular circumstance and will urgently look into future opportunities for the city of Istanbul," said UEFA.

"I think we can all agree that we hope never to experience a year like the one we have just endured," said UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. "I hope the final will be a symbol of hope at the re-emergence of Europe from a difficult period and that the fans who travel to the game will once again be able to lend their voices to showcase this final as the best in club football."

Last season, the quarterfinals, semifinals and final of the champions league all happened behind closed doors in Lisbon after the COVID-19 pandemic hit. 

Previously, UEFA was talking to the British government about hosting the champions league final in London, possibly at Wembley Stadium. If that comes to be, English fans will be able to watch two Premier League teams play against each other for the top honor at home on May 29.

However, that negotiation stalled because UEFA could not secure the quarantine exemptions for media and guests to fly into London.

Man City just claimed the Premier League title with three games to go after Manchester United lost to Leicester City 2-1 at home. Chelsea are No. 4 in the domestic league. They defeated Man City 2-1 on the road on Saturday.