Arsenal avoid UEFA fine after cancelling press conference amid travel chaos

Arsenal's Champions League press conference has been cancelled(Image: Europa Press 2026)

Arsenal's press conference ahead of their Champions League clash against Napoli has been cancelled. The Gunners have been affected by travel issues, with flights grounded in the United Kingdom.

A technical problem has affected air traffic control systems across several UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Stansted and London Gatwick. Arsenal's flight has been delayed, meaning they would miss their scheduled press conference slot at 6.15pm.

UEFA usually hands out fines when teams do not make themselves available for media commitments. In Arsenal's case, the situation they have found themselves in has allowed them to adjust their plans and it's understood the club will not be handed a fine.

The UEFA guidelines say: "Clubs may only change their MD-1 plans on account of force majeure and with the agreement of UEFA."

Airports across the country are experiencing issues, with Flightradar24 showing that 10 UK airports have experienced disruption. Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands are among the others facing delays.

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) said at 1.46pm that it was investigating a technical issue. NATS apologised for the delays and urged passengers to check the status of their flight with their airline, with further updates expected.

Arsenal's schedule saw them train in familiar surroundings at the Sobha Realty Training Centre to undergo their pre-match preparations, and they were due to fly to Italy later in the day. The Gunners will now arrive in Napoli later than anticipated ahead of tomorrow's opening match of the European campaign.

(Image: Bloomberg, Bloomberg via Getty Images)

It is not the first time the Gunners have seen a press conference cancelled ahead of Champions League action. The Gunners suffered the same issue in 2023 when bad weather grounded their flight ahead of a trip to Lens.

Arsenal had trained at their London Colney training ground in the morning and were unable to make their evening appointment when their flight had still not taken off from Luton airport by that time.

While Mikel Arteta's side faces disruption again, the Spaniard will have been happy to add Jurrien Timber to his plans, with the Dutchman making the squad for the trip to Naples. Illan Meslier and Marli Salmon have also been included.

Timber was not expected to return to action until later this month, but his rehabilitation has gone well to put him in contention. Arsenal remain without William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera in their backline, however.

Arsenal face Napoli in their opening Champions League fixture on September 9. Fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports via HBO Max or Prime Video's TNT Sports channel.

While Arsenal supporters are likely have also seen disruption to their own travel arrangements, they will also face restrictions on the sale of beverages and alcohol when they arrive in Naples. The sale of bottles, cans, or containers made of glass, rigid plastic, Tetra Pak or any other material will be banned.

The rules were already in place inside the stadium and establishments on nearby streets but has been extended to areas in the city centre too. It will be in effect from 12:00pm Wednesday until 2:00am on Thursday.

Drinks will be permitted to be sold in lightweight plastic or paper cups.

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