Updated: May 2, 2008, 9:03 AM EST 3 comments

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With at least 50,000 fans planning to travel to Moscow, the May 21 game between English clubs Chelsea and Manchester United presents substantial security and logistical challenges.

With less than three weeks to go, concerns have been high that there wouldn't be enough time for fans to make their way through Russia's notoriously laborious visa application procedures.

Talks on preparations, which include Manchester United chief executive David Gill and Chelsea's chief operating officer Ron Gourlay, continued Friday.

Sorokin did not provide specific details, but he renewed pledges that ticket holders would be allowed into Russia without the official invitations normally required.

"In a short while you will learn about the details of the agreement that has been reached" he told a news conference. "We hope for good news very soon."

Deputy Moscow Mayor Valery Vinogradov said the city was fully prepared to host the game and that Moscow had met all of UEFA's demands.

Many fans in England remain concerned about safety in Moscow, where supporters were attacked after a Euro 2008 qualifying match against Russia last year. There is also the possibility of clashes between rival Man U and Chelsea fans.

"The required number of police will be present," Vinogradov said. "I hope foreign and Russian fans will behave appropriately."

Gill said security was a key component of preparations for the game.

"We've got our police here and we will work very closely and I am sure everyone will put on a great spectacle, so it's remembered for the football and not for the incidents off the pitch," he said.

British authorities have also adopted streamlined visa applications procedures for Russian fans of St. Petersburg club Zenit, which will play in the UEFA Cup final against Glasgow Rangers on May 14 at Manchester, England. Zenit reached the final by beating Bayern Munich 4-0 on Thursday.

Vinogradov said extensive preparations have also been made to prepare transportation for visiting fans.

Up to 700 buses and 200 minibuses will be made available on the day of the game to transport fans to and from the stadium, he said. The city subway system will also remain open until 4 a.m. - three hours later than normal.

"We have also fulfilled our promises on reserving places in city's hotels. There are around 200 hotels in Moscow and no other large-scale events have been scheduled for the day of the final. So, I think we can accommodate all comers," Vinogradov said.

Work also continued Friday on laying natural turf over Luzhniki stadium's synthetic surface.