No Champions League anthem at Chelsea vs Salzburg?
if die Salzburger team on Wednesday night at London’s Stamford Bridge – home of the Chelsea FC – arrives, there will probably be no Champions League anthem. At least that’s what the English media are reporting – the usual procedure should be adjusted before kick-off in order to give the commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II appropriate time and space.
According to a report by the ‘Times‘ Several British clubs (Manchester City, Chelsea, Rangers) had originally applied to play the anthem ‘God Save The King’ after the planned minute’s silence. UEFA is said to have rejected this plan, no anthems are played at all before the game starts to create an atmosphere. The Champions League tarpaulin on the center circle, as well as CL banners and the like should not be used either.
It has been pointed out several times on social media that the Champions League anthem is based on the composition “Zadok the Priest” by Georg Friedrich Handel. The piece was composed for the coronation of King George II and has since been traditionally performed at the coronation ceremonies of kings and queens. However, it is not known whether this connection was part of the UEFA decision in any way.