The final of the 2021/22 season is currently set to be played at the Gazprom Arena in just over three months on May 28
Don't Miss
Most Read
Trending on GB News
The Champions League final could be moved from St Petersburg if Putin decides to invade Ukraine.
The final of the 2021/22 season is currently set to be played at the Gazprom Arena in just over three months on May 28.
But with a Russian invasion of Ukraine looking more likely by the day, UEFA bosses could be forced to change its location.
England’s Wembley Stadium would be an attractive alternative for UEFA, especially if the two finalists are British teams.
It would not be the first time the final has been relocated at short notice.
In 2021 the Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester City was moved from the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul as a result of England’s change in Covid restrictions which placed Turkey on its red list of travel destinations.
The restrictions would not have allowed fans to fly, so the venue was changed to Estádio do Dragão in Porto with 6,000 fans from each team able to attend.
UEFA are said to be "monitoring the Ukrainian crisis closely", and will draw up a "contingency plan" if it is needed according to the Daily Star.
Prime Minister Johnson, however, has made his mind up over the choice of venue by saying Russia’s “pariah status” following the “renewed invasion” of Ukraine bars them from holding football games on the international stage.
Johnson, speaking after announcing new sanctions on Russian banks and wealthy individuals, told the House of Commons: “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.
“A Russia that is engaged in a bloody and debilitating conflict with a fellow Slav country. What an appalling result for President Putin.
“I hope that he steps back from the brink and does not conduct a full invasion.”
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries weighed in on the issue today saying: "I have serious concerns about the sporting events due to be held in Russia, such as the Champions League Final, 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."
It comes as Boris Johnson warned that Putin appears “bent on a full-scale invasion” of Ukraine.
The Prime Minister vowed to swiftly introduce the “first barrage” of sanctions against Russia.
Mr Johnson added that the Russian president had “completely torn up international law” and is seemingly intent on capturing the capital of Kyiv.
His response came as allies sought to punish Moscow after the Kremlin ordered troops into two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, allegedly to carry out “peacekeeping” duties.
The dramatic escalation came after Mr Putin recognised the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the Donbas as independent states.
