Manchester City are making plans to provide extra coach travel for supporters heading to the FA Cup semi-final, with no indication the game will be moved from Wembley.
City and their opponents Liverpool are continuing to hold talks with the FA over the game on the weekend of April 16/17 around the farcical situation whereby no direct trains will be available between the north west and London due to planned engineering works. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and his counterpart in Liverpool Steve Rotheram have both called for the game to be moved, and the Echo report that Liverpool have asked for the game to be moved.
The Blues have been involved in those discussions, as well as continuing talks over when is the best kick-off time in order to minimise additional disruptions that would add to the problems that thousands of fans are already facing. However, as things stand there is no expectation that the FA will budge on their stance of playing both semi-finals at Wembley; Chelsea take on Crystal Palace in the other game, so there is no issue around trains.
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With that the state of play, City are continuing to look at offering a day-trip coach return. That would not be free but would provide an alternative for any supporters who feel that is the best way for them to enjoy the day, given the difficulties around trains and the rising cost of petrol for those thinking of driving down.
Talks between City, Liverpool and the FA are set to carry on, with no sight of an imminent decision over when the game will be played even if the where is becoming clearer.
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