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British Soccer Fans Ready to Invade Russia

Diehards planning trip to Moscow to see all-England final

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 30, 2008 9:48 PM CDT

(Newser) – The May 21 Champions League soccer final in Moscow will feature two English powers—but cost might be the least of the worries for British fans hoping to make the trip. An overwhelmed Russian embassy is already farming out applications for visas, and demand was crashing Web sites even before Chelsea won today's semifinal to clinch a meeting with Manchester United for the title.

"The phones here are going mad," an embassy staffer tells the Guardian, which estimates fans could spend about $6,000 each to get into a seat at Luzhniki Stadium. Meanwhile, Moscow hotels have already run out of rooms. "We are advising people not to travel unless they have a hotel room, because there aren't any," says a British embassy spokesman.

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, left, battles for the ball with Barcelona's Andres Iniesta during their Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match at Old Trafford stadium.
Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, left, battles for the ball with Barcelona's Andres Iniesta during their Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match at Old Trafford stadium.   (AP Photo/Paul Thomas)
Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, left, and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after defeating Barcelona after the UEFA Champions League, Semi Final, Second Leg match.
Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, left, and Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after defeating Barcelona after the UEFA Champions League, Semi Final, Second Leg match.   (AP Photo/PA, Martin Rickett)
Manchester United players celebrate at the final whistle after defeating Barcelona in  the UEFA Champions League, Semi Final, Second Leg match  Manchester, England, Tuesday, April 29, 2008.
Manchester United players celebrate at the final whistle after defeating Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, Semi Final, Second Leg match Manchester, England, Tuesday, April 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/PA, Martin Rickett)
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