With the news that Russia is sending troops into the Ukraine, and the widespread condemnation of their actions, it is looking increasingly likely that this year’s Champions League final venue may be moved from St. Petersburg.
Currently the final is scheduled for the May 28th at the Kretovsky Stadium. However, with the increasing scrutiny on Russia, UEFA may be pressurised into changing the location.
If this does happen it will be the third year in a row that the Champions League final venue has had to be moved. In both 2020 and 2021 the venue was moved to Portugal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
UEFA have themselves come out and released a statement on the issue which said the following;
“With regard to the 2022 UEFA Champions League final in Saint Petersburg, we would like to inform you that UEFA is constantly and closely monitoring the situation and any decision would be made in due course if necessary.”
The Times is reporting that UEFA is considering waiting until the semifinal stage in order to name a new final venue that is 'fair and convenient for both sides'.
Yesterday the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was ‘inconceivable’ that a major sporting final could be held in Russia.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says it is inconceivable that the Champions League Final should take place in St Petersburg in Russia given the political situation in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/swC0QkhyWj
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 22, 2022
ESPN have reported that Wembley is being considered as an option. However this may pose logistical problems as the Championship play-off final is being held on the 29th of May, while the play-off finals for League One and League Two are being held on the 30th and 31st respectively.
Obviously the date of the Champions League final could conceivably be moved to accommodate these games, and there are also many other options across Europe to host the final.
The Nou Camp and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have been mentioned as options by various sourced, while Portugal will probably be sounded out as well given that it helped UEFA by hosting both finals during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, head coach of the Ukranian national team Andriy Shevchenko has tweeted the following this morning: "Ukraine is my motherland! I have always been proud of my people and my country! We have gone through many difficult times, and over the past 30 years we have formed as a nation! A nation of sincere, hard-working and freedom-loving citizens! This is our most important asset!"
Україна - моя Батьківщина! Я завжди пишався своїм народом і своєю країною! Ми пережили багато непростих періодів, і за минулі 30 років сформувалися як нація! Нація щирих, працелюбних і волелюбних громадян!Це найголовніше наше надбання! …https://t.co/sQxCFpwHIz pic.twitter.com/6LNW6Cw9oR
— Andriy Shevchenko (@jksheva7) February 23, 2022
See Also: The Struggle Of Premier League Clubs Retaining Their Champions League Crowns
