Manchester City’s Champions League Group C opener against Borussia Monchengladbach has been rearranged for Wednesday evening following a torrential thunderstorm on Tuesday.
Heavy rain saturated the pitch at the Etihad Stadium in the two hours before the scheduled 7.45pm kick-off and made the surrounding areas dangerous.
A decision to call off the game was eventually taken at around 7.25pm based on safety concerns around the ground. The German club later confirmed a rearranged time of 7.45pm tonight.
According to Uefa competition regulations – article 26.03 – a decision on a rearranged date should have been announced within two hours of the postponement, with the following day the clear preference.
However, discussions between the clubs and organisers proved complex. It is understood Gladbach expressed a preference for a 6pm kick-off due to travel concerns, but City were unable to guarantee adequate staffing levels at that time.
Details of the rearranged fixture were eventually announced at 10.05pm, 45 minutes later than stipulated.
It is understood City made Gladbach an offer of accommodation at their £200million academy adjacent to the stadium, while it was confirmed all tickets would still be valid for today.
