This week's Champions League semi-final first legs will go ahead as scheduled despite the current restriction on European air travel due to the volcanic ash cloud.

UEFA this afternoon confirmed Tuesday's first semi between Inter Milan and Barcelona, and Wednesday's clash between Bayern Munich and Lyon would be unaffected by the Icelandic eruption which has led to the grounding of planes across northern Europe.

European football's governing body also revealed a decision would be taken "in the coming days" about whether Thursday's two Europa League semi-finals between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, and Hamburg and Fulham would go ahead as planned.

"The two UEFA Champions League semi-final first legs will go ahead as scheduled this week despite the current restrictions on European air travel," read a statement on UEFA's website.

"The refereeing team that has been announced for the match on Tuesday is so far maintained and a back-up appointment has been prepared in case it should prove necessary to make a replacement."

Reigning European and Spanish champions Barcelona today confirmed they will be travelling to Italy by coach for Tuesday's game with Jose Mourinho's Inter.

Barca had originally planned to fly to Milan tomorrow but were forced to change their plans.

The party left at around 1500 local time and will spend the night in the French city of Cannes before continuing on to Milan tomorrow - an overall trip of around 1,000 kilometres.

Lyon will also travel by road to face Bayern at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

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