UEFA Set to Move 2022 Champions League Final Away From Russia Amid Ukraine Tension
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UEFA is considering moving this season’s Champions League final from Saint Petersburg in Russia due to concerns about a military conflict between Russia and Ukraine
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The football body disclosed on Tuesday that it is monitoring the political situation in Russia and the tension between the country and other western nations
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According to ESPN, London’s Wembley Stadium is unlikely to be considered as a potential venue of the final match-up if it is moved away from Russia
UEFA is exploring other possible countries to host this season’s Champions League final as it considers moving the huge footballing event from Saint Petersburg in Russia. The football body announced on Tuesday that it was monitoring the political situation in Russia, amid t concerns over the possibility of a Ukraine-Russia military conflict.
The Kretovsky Stadium which was built to host matches during the 2018 World Cup is scheduled to host the Champions League final on May 28. If UEFA fails to change the location for the final, it will be the second Russian stadium to host the biggest club game in European football after the 2008 final between Manchester United and Chelsea.
Saint Petersburg had initially been scheduled to host the 2021 final but the impact of the COVID pandemic last year forced UEFA to move it to Porto in Portugal. Original host Saint Petersburg was then reallocated their hosting of the 2022 final.
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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for Russia to have the Champions League final taken off them.
He said:
“I think it inconceivable that major international football tournaments can take place in Russia after… the invasion of a sovereign country.”
Meanwhile, ESPN sources have ruled London’s Wembley stadium out of contention to host the Champions League final if it is moved from Russia. UEFA is reportedly planning to assess other possible host venues before making a decision.
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