Arsenal press conference
Arsenal's Champions League press conference has been cancelled (Image: Getty)
UEFA have made a decision on slapping Arsenal with a fine after Mikel Arteta's press conference was suddenly cancelled. Champions League teams are required to hold a media briefing on the day before their European tie, with the Gunners flying into Napoli before their clash with Napoli on Wednesday.
However, Arsenal have been delayed in taking off due to a technical fault affecting air traffic control systems at multiple UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Stansted and London Gatwick. As a result, Arteta is unable to make his scheduled time, which typically carries a financial punishment. But having explained that the circumstances were out of the club's control, Arsenal avoided a fine.
The UEFA guidelines state: "Clubs may only change their MD-1 plans on account of force majeure and with the agreement of UEFA."
Airports nationwide are experiencing difficulties, with Flightradar24 indicating that 10 UK airports have suffered disruption. Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands are amongst the others encountering delays.
National Air Traffic Services (NATS) confirmed at 1.46pm that it was examining a technical issue. NATS apologised for the delays and advised passengers to verify the status of their flight with their airline, with additional updates expected.
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Arsenal's itinerary had them training at their usual base, the Sobha Realty Training Centre, to complete their pre-match preparations, with a flight to Italy scheduled for later that day. The Gunners will now touch down in Napoli behind schedule ahead of tomorrow's European campaign opener.
This isn't the first occasion the Gunners have had a press conference cancelled before Champions League fixtures. Arsenal encountered a similar problem in 2023 when adverse weather prevented their departure ahead of a trip to Lens.
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal during the training session one day ahead of the UEFA Champions
Jurrien Timber is back in the Arsenal squad. (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal had completed training at their London Colney base that morning but were unable to fulfil their evening commitment when their aircraft remained grounded at Luton airport beyond the scheduled time.
While Arteta's squad faces further disruption, the Spaniard will have welcomed the inclusion of Jurrien Timber in his plans, with the Dutchman named in the travelling party for the fixture in Naples. Illan Meslier and Marli Salmon have also been selected.
Timber wasn't expected to resume playing duties until later this month, but his recovery has progressed favourably, bringing him into consideration. Arsenal, however, remain without William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera in their defence.
While Arsenal supporters are likely to have experienced disruption to their own travel plans, they will also encounter restrictions on beverage and alcohol purchases upon arrival in Naples. The sale of bottles, cans, or containers manufactured from glass, rigid plastic, Tetra Pak or any other material will be prohibited.
The regulations were already enforced within the stadium and venues on surrounding streets, but have now been expanded to cover parts of the city centre as well. The measure will remain active from midday on Wednesday through to 2am on Thursday.
Beverages may be served in lightweight plastic or paper cups.