**The Europa League semi-final ties involving Liverpool and Fulham on Thursday will provisionally go ahead.**Liverpool’s game at Atletico Madrid and Fulham’s trip to Hamburg had been in doubt due to the cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland that has grounded flights.
But Uefa has given the green light for the clubs to play the first-leg semis.
“Further news and information on the exact travel possibilities for these away teams is expected over the next 24 hours,” said governing body Uefa.
Restrictions on UK flights will remain in place until at least 0100 BST on Tuesday, however, air traffic control body Nats could extend their airspace closure.
"Regarding the Uefa Europa League semi-final first-leg matches scheduled for Thursday 22 April, between Club Atletico de Madrid and Liverpool FC, and Hamburg SV and Fulham FC, it is planned that both games will go ahead as normal.
"However, with the majority of airspace over Europe still closed and other forms of transport limited or fully booked, Uefa are in close contact with both English clubs on the travel options available to them.
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was understandably keen for his team to avoid a road trip and claimed the 570-mile journey to the northern German port would be a “disaster” for the 2,500 Fulham fans who have bought tickets for the game.
“It would be a real shame,” said Hodgson. “For 30 or 40 people you might find train seats but for the 2,500 who have been really looking forward to this game then it’s different.”
Liverpool’s players and fans have a 1,200-mile road trip to contemplate to reach Spanish capital Madrid for their match against Atletico.
Uefa has already announced the Champions League semi-finals will go ahead on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Barcelona are travelling 450 miles by coach over two days to Italy for Tuesday’s first leg against Inter Milan, while French side Lyon will make a 360-mile road trip for their tie at Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Pep Guardiola, coach of European champions Barca, stated: "It wouldn’t be the best but there are teams from the lower leagues that travel 17 hours by bus.
“A semi-final is enough to help anyone get over any tiredness.”
Sunday’s Women’s Champions League semi-final between Swedish side Umea IK and France’s Lyon, though, has been postponed by Uefa.
Meanwhile, in the Championship, Newcastle were forced to make a 400-mile road journey for their away match at Plymouth on Monday.This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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