UEFA 'almost certain' to move Champions League final away from St Petersburg amid Russia-Ukraine crisis - reports
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Updated 22/02/2022 at 14:14 GMT
"Given the British and European condemnation of Russian action in Ukraine, Uefa should immediately move the Champions League final from the Gazprom stadium" - UK Sports Minister Tracey Crouch has encouraged Uefa to move the Champions League final away from St Petersburg as the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues to escalate
UEFA 'monitoring' situation in Russia ahead of UCL final in St Petersburg
UEFA is 'almost certain' to move the 2022 Champions League final away from St Petersburg as the Russia-Ukraine crisis escalates.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated in recent weeks, with fears the former plans to invade after sending troops into rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine.
The Krestovsky Stadium in St Petersburg was set to host the Champions League final, but with heavy sanctions expected on Russia it is unlikely Europe's biggest club-match will be hosted there.
And UK sports minister Tracey Crouch has encouraged Uefa to move the final 'immediately'.
"Given the British and European condemnation of Russian action in Ukraine, Uefa should immediately move the Champions League final from the Krestovsky Stadium," she said.
"The ban on politicians and officials travelling to the Russian-hosted 2018 World Cup was a soft message to President Putin which made no significant difference - so Uefa need to take a much stronger stance not least to ensure the safety of travelling fans."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also suggested Russia should be strpped of hosting duties and further sporting events, telling the House of Commons: "It’s absolutely vital in this critical moment that President Putin understands that what he is doing is going to be a disaster for Russia.
"A Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status – no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades sovereign countries."
UK Culture secretary Nadine Dorries hinted she would speak to UEFA and accused Russia of 'exploiting' European football's showpiece event.
"I have serious concerns about the sporting events due to be held in Russia, such as the Champions League Final," she tweeted. "And will discuss with the relevant governing bodies.
"We won’t allow President Putin to exploit events on the world stage to legitimise his illegal invasion of Ukraine."
Uefa are understood to be assessing the situation and are ready to move the final for the third year running after Portugal hosted the event in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid related restrictions.
Other matches may also need to be moved as Russia and Ukraine are also set to play two-legged World Cup play-off matches in March.
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