/world sport
MOSCOW, Russia (AP) -- Russia will send a team of consular officials to Britain to issue visas for soccer fans wanting to attend the Champions League final in Moscow on May 21.
At least 50,000 fans are planning to travel to Moscow for the final between Chelsea and Manchester United.
"It was done to ensure all the fans will have their Russian visas in time," foreign ministry official Andrei Krivtsov told The Associated Press on Sunday.
At least 50,000 fans are planning to travel to Moscow for the final between Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United in Luzhniki stadium.
Concerns have been high that there would not be enough time for supporters to make their way through Russia's notoriously laborious visa application procedures.
Krivtsov did not specify the date of departure or the number of Russian officials. The consular staffers will work with travel agencies that are accredited with fan clubs.
Many fans in England remain concerned about safety in Moscow, where supporters were attacked after a 2008 European Championship qualifying match against Russia last year.
Moscow officials have said up to 700 buses and 200 minibuses will be made available on the day of the game to transport fans to and from the stadium. E-mail to a friend 
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
| Most Viewed | Most Emailed |
| Most Viewed | Most Emailed |
From the Blogs: 
Sit tight, we're getting to the good stuff
