Russia is set to be denied the hosting right of this season’s UEFA Champions League final after President Vladimir Putin sent troops into eastern Ukraine.
The final is scheduled to be held in St Petersburg on May 28, but European football’s governing body are now discussing a change in location following a day of huge political pressure.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have both called for Russia to be denied the right to host a major final.
UEFA say they are “constantly and closely monitoring the situation” and that “any decision would be made in due course if necessary”. Internal talks have been held over the prospect of moving the final with London’s Wembley Stadium among the venues being considered, though a decision does not have to be made until a few weeks before the match.
Last year’s final, which was moved to Porto after the two finalists – Chelsea and Manchester City – became clear, proved that UEFA can rearrange the venue at short notice.
A number of British MPs have called for the final to be taken away from Russia following their actions and Johnson told the UK’s House of Commons yesterday that there was “no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades sovereign countries”.
Wembley is currently set to host the League Two and Championship play-off finals on May 28 and May 29 respectively.
