With excitement building for the 2025 UEFA Europa League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, English football police chief Mark Roberts has issued a strong plea to fans: don’t travel to Bilbao unless you have a valid ticket.
The highly anticipated final takes place this Wednesday at the San Mamés Stadium, with only 14,700 tickets allocated to each club — despite expectations that up to 80,000 English fans may descend on the Spanish city.
“Don’t Travel Without a Ticket,” Warns UK Football Policing Chief
“We’d really encourage fans without tickets not to travel,” Roberts told The Guardian. “Bilbao is a great city, but not a big one. With sky-high flight and hotel costs, fans may struggle with accommodation and won’t get near the stadium anyway.”
The San Mamés Stadium holds just over 53,000 spectators. Given the limited official allocations, many fans are turning to secondary ticket resale markets — some listing tickets for over £400. But UEFA has confirmed that only tickets purchased through its official mobile ticketing app will be valid for entry.
UEFA’s Strict Ticket Policy and Cancellations
UEFA warned that tickets purchased from unofficial channels may be cancelled, and further cancellations are likely. The governing body reiterated that ticket holders can only transfer tickets within the official app, aiming to prevent scalping and fake ticket circulation.
Local Capacity, Fan Zones, and Travel Concerns
While the atmosphere is expected to be electric, Roberts emphasized that Bilbao is not equipped to handle tens of thousands of extra fans. “There’s a real desire to make this a safe and successful final, especially after the chaotic scenes seen in Paris (2022) and Istanbul (2023),” he noted.
Recent finals have highlighted challenges — from security issues at the Stade de France to transport chaos in Istanbul. Lessons have reportedly been learned, with Bilbao police visiting Wembley to study English event management practices and implement fan-friendly safety perimeters around the stadium.
British Fans: Passionate But Not Problematic
Roberts was keen to emphasize that English fans are shedding their long-held reputation for hooliganism. “The perception of English supporters is changing. When trouble occurs, it’s typically linked to drinking and antisocial behavior, not violent intent,” he said. “Compared to organized hooligan groups on the continent, most British fans are there to enjoy football and spend money.”
“The more issue-free major tournaments we have, the easier it becomes to convince European authorities to treat English fans fairly,” he added.
Conclusion: Watch from Home or at Official Fan Zones
Authorities urge those without a ticket to watch the final from official fan zones in Manchester, London, or online, and avoid unnecessary strain on Bilbao’s infrastructure. As excitement builds, the focus remains on fan safety, responsible support, and a memorable football occasion for the right reasons.
Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday night — but only those with verified tickets will be allowed near San Mamés Stadium.
