Arsenal risk UEFA fine after travel chaos forces Champions League press conference cancellation

Arsenal face the prospect of a UEFA fine after failing to fulfil their pre-match media obligations ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League opener against Napoli in Naples, with the club’s travel plans thrown into disarray by widespread flight disruption at London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Air traffic control technical problems affecting both airports left the Gunners unable to arrive in Italy in time for their scheduled press conference — a mandatory requirement under UEFA’s Champions League regulations. Teams that miss or significantly delay their pre-match briefings are routinely sanctioned by European football’s governing body.

UEFA rules do, however, include a force majeure clause that could offer Arsenal a route out of any punishment. The regulations state: “Clubs may only change their MD-1 plans on account of force majeure and with the agreement of UEFA.” Whether the governing body accepts the London airport disruption as qualifying circumstances remains to be seen.

Arsenal are not alone in being caught up in the delays. Hundreds, if not thousands, of passengers across both airports were affected by the same technical fault, giving the club a credible case that the situation was entirely beyond their control.

The incident marks an inauspicious start to Arsenal’s 2026-27 Champions League campaign. The match against Napoli represents their first fixture in the competition this season, and the off-field turbulence will do little to help preparations for what is already a demanding opening assignment against the Italian side.