Manchester's economy is set to gain £25-million ($50-million) as a result of staging Wednesday's UEFA Cup final between Scottish giants Rangers and Zenit St. Petersburg, according to a report by Manchester City Council.

"Independent assessments originally estimated that a sell-out final would benefit the city to the tune of about £5-million," said councillor Pat Kearney. "But that was before Rangers qualified.

"Now we reckon that up to 100 000 fans without tickets will also be here, tripling the spending.

"Because fans are coming earlier and are expected to stay longer, that should add another £5-million, making the total benefit to the city at least £20-million.

"All the hotels in Manchester are full and fans have been snapping up hotel beds as far afield as Blackpool, Liverpool and Wigan.

"That could mean in the region of another £5-million spending in the region, making a grand total for the north-west of at least £25-million."

Fans who can't get a ticket at the City of Manchester stadium will be able to watch the match at one of several giant television screens situated in the town centre.

AFP