Agency :
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is considering moving this season’s Champions League (CL) final away from St Petersburg in response to the threat of conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The move comes as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says there is “no chance” Russia will be allowed to host major football tournaments as a result of its decision to “invade a sovereign country”.
The final is due to be played at the Gazprom Arena on May 28 but the location is now under review, with UEFA confident it would be able to change the venue.
The governing body has previously been able to move prestigious events at short notice, including the last two Champions League finals.
The 2021 final – which saw Chelsea defeat Manchester City – was also set to be played in Saint Petersburg, but was eventually held in Porto due to Covid travel restrictions.
Covid also saw the 2020 final moved from Istanbul to Lisbon, where Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain.
Wembley would be a possible alternative venue if Saint Petersburg is stripped of hosting rights, although the English Football League play-offs are due to be played there on the same weekend.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine are rising after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of two breakaway regions, while Ukraine is considering breaking off diplomatic ties with their neighbour.
Prime Minister Johnson told MPs on Tuesday: “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.
“And it is clear from the response of the world to what he has done already in Donbas that he is going to end up with a Russia that is poorer as a result of the sanctions that the world will implement.
“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.” A UK Government spokesperson said: “Russia’s actions last night are a flagrant breach of its international commitments that undermines its standing in the world.
“We have serious concerns about the hosting of international sporting events in Russia, such as the Champions League final, and will discuss these with the relevant governing bodies.
“We will not allow President Putin to exploit sporting and cultural events on the world stage to legitimise his renewed illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
On Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss reiterated the stance of the PM. Asked by Sky News whether this year’s Champions League final should be held in Russia, she replied: “No it shouldn’t be. I’m very clear it shouldn’t be.
“The way that Russia is behaving we should not be in any way seen to condone that behaviour, we must condemn it absolutely.
