Huge media interest in FCK vs Man City clash

F.C. Copenhagen's UEFA Champions League last-16 clash with Manchester City on Tuesday will be broadcast to 159 countries around the world.

There is huge media interest in the game, which marks only the second time FCK have progressed from the group stage to the Champions League knockouts.

Parken Stadium is already a sell-out and we could have sold many more tickets due to the interest from fans in the match. We will also be accommodating a far greater number of media, photographers and press for the game in Denmark's national stadium,

"We have had quite a few of these big matches and we are well prepared for Tuesday after our recent group games against well-supported opponents," says FCK's head of communication Jes Mortensen.

"The interest for a last-16 game is of course even greater, partly because it's all or nothing over two legs, and partly because it's only the second time that we have reached this far in the world's biggest club competition."

Increased demand and increased interest
UEFA has also raised the requirements for clubs that have advanced to the knockout stage so that, among other things, more space in Parken must be set aside for the media.

"For home matches in the group stage, there were typically three or four TV rights holders with commentator seats in the stands," adds Jess. "But for the City match we have 12 TV stations coming. In addition, there is tremendous media interest from all over the world, so we have also expanded the number of press places available.

"In addition to the TV stations' commentators and experts, there will be approximately 150 journalists and photographers for the match, including the club's own media. We have had over 200 applications for accreditation, so unfortunately we have had to disappoint many Danish and foreign press members who wanted to come and cover the match.

"All the practical aspects of media accreditation and arrangement has meant a lot of extra work compared to a normal Superliga match, but that applies to almost all departments in the club. Operations, hospitality, events, restaurants, stalls and many others have also been in the works for a long time with planning for this game, and even though we have a full house quite a few times a year, this is something special."

FCK vs Manchester City kicks off at 9pm on Tuesday.