UEFA wants to take Champions League final away from Russia if aggression against Ukraine continues

The dispute between Russia and Ukraine moves the world. Even the sports world. The actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin have been condemned by the vast majority of Western countries and should affect football as well. UEFA plans to take away Russia’s hosting of the Champions League final in May 2022.

After Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of two rebel regions in eastern Ukraine on Monday and ordered the military to launch a “peacekeeping mission” in both regions, the world was set in motion.

UEFA has not yet commented on the matter, saying only that it is monitoring the situation but is not considering a change of host. But according to the BBC, the organisation has already set the ball rolling.

The Champions League final was originally scheduled to take place on 28 May in St Petersburg. However, the BBC says that at this point it is almost certain that UEFA will take away the hosting from Russia and move the final of the most famous club competition to another country.

Gazprom, a Russian joint stock company and one of the most important sponsors of the UEFA Champions League, is unlikely to do anything about the change. Gazprom also sponsors Zenit St Petersburg, in whose stadium the final was to be played.

The question is what will happen with the World Cup barrage. Russia is due to play a semi-final play-off against Poland at home in March. In the event of a win, the Russians would again welcome home the winner of Sweden-Czech Republic.

Source: BBC