UEFA Champions League: Will Russia be stripped of hosting UCL final at St. Petersburg?

2022 UEFA Champions League final is slated to be held in Russia's Saint Petersburg in May this year. However, reports have emerged suggesting that UEFA could change venue of marquee event due to ongoing military tension between Russia and Ukraine.

former Soviet Republics are currently engaged in a military escalation on Ukraine's eastern border, where Russia has deployed troops. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is amongst leers who have called for action against Russia, as he expressed opposition to holding final in Saint Petersburg. 

After announcing sanctions on Moscow, Boris Johnson suggested in UK Parliament that Russia should be stripped of hosting Champions League final this year. "A Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status – no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that inves sovereign countries," Johnson said. 

Could Champions League final be moved out of Russia?

Meanwhile, reports suggest that UEFA is considering idea of moving Champions League final out of Saint Petersburg but is yet to make a formal announcement. In a statement released on Tuesday, European body said that it is constantly monitoring situation in Ukraine, ding that re are currently no plans to shift venue of this season's Champions League final. 

"UEFA is constantly and closely monitoring situation. At present, re are no plans to change venue," European football body said in its statement.

According to reports, if Champions League final is eventually moved out of Saint Petersburg, it will be based on logistical considerations rar than a political statement, as hosting a competition in a country that is at war is not practical. A final in Saint Petersburg could reportedly present ditional difficulties both for organising body as well as fans. 

Russia-Ukraine tensions

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, February 22, announced that US is sanctioning two of Russia’s largest banks, cutting it off from getting loans from West and imposing sanctions on Russia’s elites and ir families. Boris Johnson and Canian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also imposed sanctions on Russia on Tuesday. 

Image: AP