Updated: May 5, 2008, 6:56 PM EST 5 comments

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Monday's historic gesture - believed to be the first time visitors to Russia will be allowed in without a visa - was made after UEFA president Michel Platini sent a personal letter to outgoing Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"For this, I must thank wholeheartedly the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin ... for this exceptional and unprecedented gesture," Platini said in a statement.

Up to 50,000 supporters are expected to travel to Russia for the game between English clubs Chelsea and Manchester United at Luzhniki Stadium.

There had been concerns there wouldn't be enough time for the visas to be approved through Russia's notoriously laborious application procedures.

The tickets will be valid as visas for a 72-hour period between May 19 and 23, and must be kept after the match to be shown on leaving the country.

"This is great news for football fans traveling to watch this year's UEFA Champions League final. Our job is to make sure that they are able to get to and from Moscow as easily as possible," Platini said.

UEFA believes the visa compromise will offer fans greater flexibility.

"It will favor bookings for more charter planes because supporters now don't have to book a hotel as a visa requirement," UEFA spokesman William Gaillard said. "They can come in on the morning and fly back after the game. It is a victory for football."