It has been reported that Russia is set to be stripped of this season’s Champions League Final after president Vladimir Putin sent troops into eastern Ukraine.
The 2021/22 Champions League final is scheduled to be held at the 68,000-capacity Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg on May 28th.
However, as reported by the Evening Standard, Uefa are now discussing a change in location following a day of huge political pressure.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have both called for Russia to be denied the right to host a major final.
Johnson told the House of Commons on Monday that there was ‘no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades sovereign countries’, whilst Khan had this to say: “London is the sporting capital of the world and stands ready to host the final. It is clear staging it in Russia is now untenable.”
Uefa are set to strip Russia of this season’s Champions League Final following huge political pressure in the aftermath of their escalation in Ukraine.
Wembley Stadium is among the alternative venues being considered.
✍️ @JackRosser_https://t.co/YUUtxEJ0Kx
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) February 23, 2022
Should the final indeed be moved, it would be the second time in two years after the 2021 final was moved to Porto last season, showing that a change of venue fairly last minute is not an issue for Uefa.
Wednesday’s Champions League games
For the time being, clubs are currently focused on the Round of 16 action. Chelsea picked up a win over Lille on Tuesday, whilst Villarreal fought from behind to earn a point vs Juventus.
Now, on Wednesday, Atletico Madrid are set to play host to Manchester United and Ajax face a trip to Benfica.
