NYON: RB Leipzig will play Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in Budapest after German authorities denied the English side entry into the country due to Covid-19 protocols, UEFA said on Sunday.

RB Leipzig were due to host Juergen Klopp`s side on February 16 at the Red Bull Arena but Germany has banned all arrivals from areas affected by Covid-19 mutations until at least February 17, with the only exceptions made for German citizens or residents.

`UEFA can confirm that the Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool will now take place at Puskas Arena in Budapest,` it said in a statement.

`UEFA would like to thank RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC for their close cooperation and assistance in finding a solution to the issue at hand, as well as the Hungarian Football Federation for their support and agreeing to host the match in question.

Germany`s Borussia Moenchengladbach are also considering their options for the first leg of their tie against Manchester City on February 24 should the ban be extended.

Gladbach have said they had made inquiries with venues including Danish club Midtjylland, who played in the group stage of the Champions League this season.-Agencies