UEFA have reportedly rejected requests from three British clubs to play the national anthem ahead of this week's Champions League fixtures - but could see their decision ignored by one of them.
Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City and Scottish titans Rangers are believed to have approached European football's governing body following the death of Queen Elizabeth II last Thursday. The beloved monarch passed away at Balmoral at the age of 96 and the three clubs hoped to play the national anthem as a tribute to her, as well as her son and successor, King Charles III.
'God Save the King' was heard at a British stadium for the first time since 1952, when King George VI died, as England's cricketers faced South Africa at the Oval on Saturday. Chelsea, City and Rangers had hoped to follow suit in their Champions League fixtures on Wednesday, against Red Bull Salzburg at Stamford Bridge, Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad and Napoli at Ibrox respectively.
However, Daily Mail Plus claims UEFA rejected their requests as they would prefer to maintain a subdued atmosphere without celebratory moments. This environment was witnessed as Manchester United welcomed Real Sociedad to Old Trafford and West Ham hosted FCSB at the London Stadium in the Europa League last Thursday, just hours after the Queen's death was confirmed.
UEFA's decision may not be accepted by all clubs in Champions League action this midweek, as the report claims Rangers are ready to defy them by singing the national anthem after holding a minute's silence in tribute to the Queen.
It remains to be seen whether the Gers would face punishment if they pursued this course of action. UEFA have already permitted their group-stage fixture with Napoli to be shifted from Tuesday to Wednesday, with no away fans present for the fixture at Ibrox or the return game at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
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"This is due to the severe limitations on police resources and organisational issues related to the ongoing events surrounding the national mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," UEFA said in a statement confirming their decision.
Meanwhile, the Champions League anthem will not ring out as it usually does at British stadiums this week as a further act of respect towards the Queen. The popular soundtrack to European football's greatest competition was composed by Tony Britten shortly before the European Cup was rebranded the Champions League in 1992.
It is based on George Frideric Handel's 'Zadok the Priest', which is heard as a new monarch is crowned in the United Kingdom. On top of the fixtures involving Chelsea, City and Rangers, the other British side in action at home in midweek are Liverpool, who host Ajax at Anfield on Tuesday.
