LONDON , England ( CNN ) -- English football fans hoping to travel to Moscow for this month 's Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea face spiraling costs and an anxious wait for visas amid a simmering diplomatic row between the UK and Russia . Chelsea fans hoping to follow their side to Moscow face hefty expenses and an anxious wait over visas . Upwards of 50,000 fans are expected to travel to the May 21 match from the UK , defying expensive flights and warnings about a shortage of accommodation in the Russian capital -- one of the world 's most expensive cities . But there were fears on Thursday that Russia 's stringent visa requirements for British citizens could further complicate matters for fans . In a statement , the Russian Embassy in London pledged to fulfil its obligations to enable all fans with tickets to the game to travel . But it also criticized the UK government for tightening restrictions on Russians traveling in the opposite direction , imposed following the apparent murder of the exiled Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko in 2006 . `` If we had an agreement similar to the one Russia has in place with EU , most problems could have been avoided , '' the statement said . The embassy also criticized the UK for imposing `` cumbersome '' visa requirements on supporters of the Russian side , Zenit St. Petersburg , which could reach the UEFA Cup final in Manchester on May 14 , including biometric tests , online-only applications and interviews with consulate officials . But there was speculation as well on Thursday that Moscow may be prepared to temporarily lift some visa requirements in a gesture of good will . The UK 's Times newspaper quoted a foreign ministry spokesman as saying that Russian authorities would waive the need for visa applicants to produce a letter of invitation in the case of ticket holders . UEFA communications director William Gaillard praised Russia 's flexibility on Wednesday and said a simplified visa application procedure could be in place by the end of the week . `` The Russians have shown great flexibility and hopefully within the next 48 hours we will be announcing a more simplified procedure for visas to make it easier for fans to get to Moscow , '' Gaillard told the UK 's Press Association . Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill said on Wednesday that those traveling on official club packages were assured of a visa . `` If you are on an organized trip , your ticket will be your visa . The actual specifics and fine details will be addressed in the next day or so and then we will communicate with the fans . `` Everyone recognizes in order for it to be a showcase , which it clearly will be , you have to ease entry into the country while not totally doing away with what the Russian authorities require . '' But Gill warned that demand for tickets would leave many fans disappointed : `` We could sell well over 100,000 tickets for this final , so there will be a lot of disappointed people . '' Both United and Chelsea have each received around 21,000 tickets for the match . But with officially allocated tickets expected to be snapped up by season ticket holders and loyalty scheme members , many more fans are expected to travel to Moscow independently . Flights from London to Moscow on the day of the match , returning the following day were available for around $ 1,600 over the internet on Thursday . But the British foreign office Web site advised Thursday that there were no hotel vacancies in Moscow and warned supporters that they would not be able to find a room on arrival . Meanwhile , UK sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe urged fans to be on their best behavior in Moscow , warning that trouble could derail England 's bid to host the 2018 World Cup . `` I was really impressed and pleased that the European champions final will be an all-English final but that brings some responsibilities for the teams involved and their supporters , '' Sutcliffe told PA. `` It should be a great advert for the Premier League and for English football but it will also be the place everyone will be looking at if anything goes wrong . `` If that happened it would not only be damaging for the two teams participating but could also have a big impact on the reputation of our game at a time when we are trying to encourage football nations to support our World Cup bid . '' With the match due to kick off at 2245 local time , the British foreign office Web site advised supporters `` not to let alcohol spoil their Champions League final experience , '' pointing out that smoking and drinking in Red Square are illegal . `` The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is providing detailed information for those fans who are traveling , '' said minister for Europe Jim Murphy . `` So I encourage those who are going , to look at the specific travel advice on how to enjoy a trouble-free and successful visit to Moscow . '' E-mail to a friend .
English fans face spiraling expenses , visa restrictions ahead of FA Cup final . The Russian Embassy criticizes UK for tightening Russian visa restrictions . Up to 50,000 Chelsea and Manchester United fans refuse to travel to Moscow .