Formula 1 cancels Russian Grand Prix after Ukraine invasion

Yet another sports entity has distanced itself from Russia following the country's invasion of Ukraine earlier this week. 

According to Matt Morlidge of Sky Sports and Nate Saunders of ESPN, Formula 1 has officially canceled this season's Russian Grand Prix scheduled for Sept. 25 in Sochi. 

"We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation," F1 said in a statement shared by media outlets. "On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances."

Rosgonki, the promoter of the Russian Grand Prix, suggested the race could still occur in the country later this year. 

"The purchased tickets are not canceled," reads a released statement. "There is no need to get refunds for them now because it is still possible that the round will take place and will be held as previously scheduled."

Despite that update, Saunders reports "the race will not go ahead regardless of what happens over the next few months" and that F1 will fill that gap on the racing calendar with a different event. 

The news came the same day UEFA relocated this year's Champions League final from the Russian city of Saint Petersburg to Paris. That match will occur on May 28 as originally planned. 

Additionally, UEFA announced that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams participating in European competitions will play home matches at neutral venues until further notice. Per The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), the International Olympic Committee is urging governing bodies in sports to cancel or move any events set to happen in Russia and Belarus and to stop using the flags and national anthems for those countries. 

Russian troops and military hardware entered Ukraine from its border with Belarus.