Arsenal will play their high-profile Women’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich at Meadow Park in Borehamwood after the club was granted special dispensation by UEFA.
Emirates Stadium had originally been designated to host the Group C tie on December 18, but there was a scheduling clash with Arsenal’s men’s team.
Mikel Arteta’s side have an EFL Cup quarter-final match against Crystal Palace on the same date, and it could not be postponed because the Eagles televised Premier League matches the Sunday before and the following Saturday.
The Meadow Park facilities do not currently meet UEFA requirements, but Arsenal said in a statement that a “unique combination of factors” led to the venue change being approved by European football’s governing body.
The Gunners also expressed their gratitude to the fans for their “patience and understanding”.
Meadow Park, Boreham Wood FC’s 4,500-capacity stadium, has been the traditional venue for Arsenal’s Women’s Super League matches.
The Gunners have said that fans who purchased a ticket for the Champions League match assuming it was at the Emirates will automatically receive a full refund.
They will then have a 24-hour priority access window to purchase a new ticket.
“We thank members of our supporters groups throughout this time who provided valuable feedback which was reflected in our dialogue with UEFA,” Arsenal said in the statement.
“We also thank UEFA for their collaboration in finding a viable result.”
