Champions League final 2022 could be moved from St Petersburg over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
UEFA are evaluating the possibility of switching the final of the Champions League to Wembley from St Petersburg over Russian hostilities.
The Champions League final 2022 could be moved from St Petersburg in the face of Russian hostilities towards Ukraine, according to UK newspaper the Daily Star.
UEFA, who organise the Champions League, is actively monitoring Russia’s actions; the on-going crisis escalated on Tuesday evening when Russian president Vladimir Putin recognised two regions of Ukraine as independent and sent orders for Russian troops to invade, although Putin claimed the troops were being sent as ‘peacekeepers’.
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Champions League final awarded to St Petersburg
The Champions League final is planned to be held in St Petersburg in Russia on 28 May, however according to the Daily Star, European football’s governing body is considering switching venues in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
According to the newspaper, “Wembley would be considered as a possible alternative” to host the final, “especially if two English teams have reached the final”. Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all remain in the competition which is at the last-16 stage.
UEFA told German agency DPA earlier in February that there were “currently no plans” to move the venue, but the escalation of the crisis will almost certainly mean that is under review.
At the time of publication UEFA had not published anything on their website in relation to the crisis.
The Champions League final is due to be held at the Krestovsky Stadium in St Petersburg. The stadium, which was built for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, is the home of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg and normally goes by the name of the Gazprom Arena for sponsorship reasons.
Champions League final moved last season
The Champions League final was moved last season from Istanbul to Porto when Turkey was placed on the covid-19 red list.