Portuguese authorities have relaxed Covid-19 safety rules for thousands of English fans coming to Porto for Saturday's Champions League final, no longer requiring them to stay in bubbles and lifting restrictions on movement.
"The borders are open. The city and the country are opening up little by little. Within what is possible, freedom [of movement] will not be conditioned," Porto police Superintendent Cardoso da Silva said on Thursday.
"There are no restrictions of movement for fans."
However, with only two days to go until match day, Silva said the contingency plan in place was under constant re-evaluation and could still undergo some alterations.
A police source told Reuters that Portuguese authorities did not have enough time to fully prepare for the final as Uefa only announced it would move the event to Porto from Istanbul around two weeks ago.
Eight British police officers specialised in dealing with football fans are in Portugal and will work with Portuguese police to help ensure public order.
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Manchester City's Fernandinho lifts the Premier League trophy at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Reuters -
Manchester City players lift the Premier League Trophy at the Etihad Stadium. PA -
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates with the Premier League medal at the Etihad Stadium. PA -
Manchester City players lifts the Premier League trophy at Etihad Stadium. Getty -
Manchester City's striker Sergio Aguero, centre, celebrates scoring the team's fourth goal against Everton in what was his last league match at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, May 23, 2021. AFP -
Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's opening goal against Everton. EPA -
Sergio Aguero of Manchester City celebrates with teammate Kevin De Bruyne after scoring against Everton at Etihad Stadium . Getty -
Manchester City's striker Sergio Aguero scores their fifth at the Etihad Stadium. AFP -
Manchester City fans wave flags during the match against Everton at the Etihad Stadium. PA -
Sergio Aguero prepares to come on as a substitute during his last game as a Manchester City player. Reuters -
Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring the second goal. PA -
Manchester City fans show their support by holding up a Premier League champions banner at the Etihad Stadium. Getty -
Manchester City's midfielder Phil Foden celebrates scoring their third goal. AFP -
Everton's Jordan Pickford had a forgettable day on Sunday. Reuters -
Manchester City fans had a day to remember at the Etihad Stadium. EPA
There will be a "robust" police presence around the stadium and the city, Silva said, though he did not specify how many officers have been mobilised to patrol the streets.
London Metropolitan Police Superintendent Lysander Strong, who is in Portugal to coordinate the operation between the two forces, said the two clubs had sent recommendations to fans to follow social distancing rules and wear a mask.
Since May 17, British visitors have been allowed into Portugal with proof of a negative PCR test result.
Silva said that around 80 charter flights with English fans were expected to land on Saturday for the clash between Manchester City and Chelsea. Around 180 buses will take fans to the stadium.
Under rules previously announced by the Portuguese government, passengers were to fly back within 24 hours. But police spokesman Marco Almeida said that now they can stay longer if they choose not to take scheduled return flights.
