Uefa expect the Russian Embassy to announce visa details ahead of the 42,000 fans expected to travel to Moscow for the all-Premier League Champions League final encounter between Manchester United and Chelsea on Wednesday, May 21st.

"We are finalising an express way for fans to get visas," explained  Uefa director of communications William Gaillard "We've had extreme goodwill from the Russian government to make it easy for fans. It will be a major breakthrough."

At this stage it remains unclear how many Irish fans plan to make the trip to the Russian capital but the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed a valid passport and ticket for the final will be needed.

"Irish citizens wishing to travel to Moscow for the Uefa Champions' League Final on 21st May are advised that they will need a visa to travel to Russia," the statement read.

"A visa can applied for at the Embassy of Russia in Dublin, who have informed us that, in order to receive a visa, applicants must provide proof that they are in possession of a ticket for the final.

"Irish citizens proposing to travel should be aware that, in addition to being extremely expensive, accommodation in Moscow will be very difficult to find during this event, so citizens are also strongly advised to secure accommodation before travelling."

United and Chelsea chief executives David Gill and Peter Kenyon were due to meet Uefa officials in Moscow to discuss preparations for the final.

Each club has an allocation of 21,000 tickets with the capacity at the Luzhniki Stadium being set at 69,500 for the final.

"We have no specific worries or problems," added Gaillard. "I think both clubs have developed a tradition of travelling abroad and both clubs are very well organised.

"We have never had any problems with either of those clubs' fans. We are looking forward to welcoming them in Moscow and sure they will put on a great show."

United and Chelsea fans who cannot get a final ticket as part of their clubs' allocation may buy tickets from other sources but Gaillard warned: "I would very much discourage them. There is no guarantee that the ticket they get is a bona fide ticket. Also every ticket has a number and every number identifies a person.''