The German government has confirmed that Liverpool’s Champions League round-of-16 first-leg clash against RB Leipzig will not be permitted to take place in Germany.
German federal police rejected an application by the home club for a special permit that would have allowed Liverpool to travel to Leipzig for the last 16 first-leg tie on February 16 despite COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
“The Federal Police informed the RB Leipzig club today that the case does not fall under the category of exceptional circumstances,” they said in a statement.
Leipzig will now have to find an alternate venue for the clash and must inform UEFA of any change by Monday.
The club are believed to have sounded out several London-based clubs for the use of their stadiums.
The German Government has banned all arrivals from areas affected by COVID-19 mutations until at least February 17, with the only exceptions made for German citizens or residents.
Leipzig said they would not be making any comment on Thursday about the Liverpool game.
Liverpool are due to host the return leg on March 10.