Liverpool frustrated at lack of tickets for final
Liverpool have complained to UEFA regarding their ticket allocation for the Champions League final, but have been told they will not receive an increase.
The Premiership club have been awarded just 17,000 seats for the clash with AC Milan at the 63,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Athens on May 23 - a figure that nowhere near appeases enormous demand.
A huge black market for tickets has already developed with prices of more than £1,000 (€1,470) being displayed on some agency websites.
Liverpool have also been criticised by their own fans for their methods of distribution, with some having made arrangements to travel only to be told they will not qualify for a ticket.
A statement from Liverpool given to BBC Radio Five Live read: "The bottom line is that UEFA have not supplied anywhere near enough tickets for the Champions League Final.
"Liverpool have expressed their disappointment and frustration to UEFA - but have been told categorically that no more tickets will be allocated to the club, not even the returned tickets from Milan - they will go into a UEFA ballot.
"Liverpool Football Club understands and shares the disappointment of their fans in what is a very frustrating situation.
"Our policy on tickets was available right from the start of the season and has not changed.
"The ballot for Liverpool fans was drawn up to be as fair as possible to fans, but the bottom line is that UEFA have not supplied enough tickets for the match."
Liverpool have operated a fancard policy this season whereby supporters earn a point for each European game attended this season - or more accurately, ticket bought.
Those with seven or more points qualified while those with less - in many cases season-ticket holders who have been unable to travel abroad - have been entered into a ballot.
UEFA have responded to Liverpool's complaints by insisting their allocation is fair.
Apart from the 17,000 given to the clubs, 20,000 tickets have been allocated to the 'UEFA family' and a further 9,000 via a ballot.
UEFA spokesman William Gaillard told the Liverpool Echo: "If we built a stadium with a million seats, the match would still sell out and supporters would not be able to see the pitch.
"It's impossible more will be released in the coming weeks - 17,000 is the final figure."
Liverpool received an allocation of 20,000 for the final in Istanbul two years ago but it is estimated around 40,000 fans gained access.
