Photo by Richard Juilliart - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

UEFA set to move Champions League final from Russia

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 2/24/22

The UEFA is set to strip Saint Petersburg of hosting rights for this year's Champions League final following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, according to multiple reports.

Following the evolution of the situation between Russia and Ukraine, the UEFA president has called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee for 10:00 CET on Friday 25 February, in order to evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions.
— UEFA (@UEFA) February 24, 2022

The Krestovsky Stadium was due to stage the Champions League final on May 28 after initially being awarded the game in 2021 before it was moved back a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Russian troops launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine on Thursday, as President Vladimir Putin cast aside international condemnation and sanctions and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to 'consequences you have never seen,'" ESPN's Mark Ogden wrote. "World leaders decried Russia's actions, and UEFA are now prepared to act on their decision to stage this season's Champions League final in Saint Petersburg."

Ogden further reported that alternative venues are being considered for the final. It was reported on Wednesday that London's Wembley Stadium wouldn't be among those in contention because it is booked for the English Football League (EFL) playoffs during the same weekend.

Per Ogden, sources have also told ESPN that FIFA is "monitoring the situation" around March's World Cup playoffs with Russia currently scheduled to face Poland in Moscow. Ukraine is also scheduled to compete in the playoffs on March 24 against Scotland at Hampden Park.

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