Uefa likely to move Champions League final from Russia

Uefa is almost certain to switch this season’s Champions League final away from St Petersburg amid the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

Russia has sent troops into two rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine and there are fears an invasion is planned.

Several countries, including the UK, have introduced sanctions against Russia in response to the move.

Uefa said it was “closely monitoring the situation” and “any decision would be made in due course if necessary”.

Against the backdrop of unrest, Uefa is viewed as being highly unlikely to attempt to host the game in Russia, reports BBC.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, said there was “no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades sovereign countries”.

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries added that she had “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”.

She added: “We won’t allow Putin to exploit events on the world stage to legitimise his illegal invasion of Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, former UK sports minister Tracey Crouch has told BBC Sport that Uefa should move the final “immediately”.

European football’s governing body is assessing the situation before making a decision but it is set to be looking for a new venue at short notice for the third year running. The past two Champions League finals were played in Portugal because of Covid-19 related issues.