Supporters of both clubs will be able to use their tickets for the game in Moscow as a visa substitute for a 72-hour period between May 19 and 23.

UEFA's announcement will be a huge relief for the estimated 42,000 ticketholders planning to travel to Russia for what is arguably the biggest match ever played between two English clubs.

The move alleviates a huge burden on the Russian National Tourist Office in London, who have been handling visas on behalf of the Russian Embassy in Britain for the May 21 final.

While it is unclear whether they would have succeeded in processing all the visa applications in time, yesterday's announcement removed the embarrassing prospect of ticket-holders being forced to miss the final.

The news follows high-level discussions involving the UEFA president Michel Platini and the Russian Government.

Platini said: "This is great news for football fans travelling to watch this year's UEFA Champions League final in Moscow.

"Our job is to make sure that they are able to get to and from Moscow as easily as possible.

"I am therefore extremely pleased that, at my request, all fans travelling with a valid match ticket can use this to enter Russian territory, and for this I must thank wholeheartedly the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Russian government, the city of Moscow and the Football Union of Russia for this exceptional and unprecedented gesture."

As well as a match ticket, supporters require a valid passport and a completed immigration form upon entrance to Russia.

Those travelling have been urged not to dispose of their ticket until they have left the country.

Anyone overstaying the 72-hour entry period will be charged the fee for a regular visa upon departure.