Champions League Final 2021/22: Russia should not be allowed to host soccer events such as the Champions League final after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday. Britain said that it would discuss the location of the Champions League final, which is scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg in May, with the relevant governing bodies. Follow Insidesport.IN for more updates.
Champions League Final 2021/22: Prime Minister Boris Johnson insists Russia must be stopped from hosting Champions League final as UEFA holds urgent talks after Russia-Ukraine crisis
Asked whether he would push for the Champions League final to be moved, Johnson told lawmakers: “I think it inconceivable that major international football tournaments can take place in Russia after… the invasion of a sovereign country.”
UEFA are exploring plans to move this season’s Champions League final in Russia, sources have told ESPN.
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Champions League Final 2021/22: Champions League final venue to be changed
Nadine Dorries, Britain’s minister for sport, said that Britain would raise the issue with soccer authorities. “I have serious concerns about the sporting events due to be held in Russia, such as the Champions League Final, and will discuss with the relevant governing bodies,” Dorries said in a tweet. “We won’t allow President Putin to exploit events on the world stage to legitimise his illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
Russia should be axed as the host of the UEFA Champions League final, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said today. Mr Johnson told MPs in the House of Commons that there is ‘no chance’ of holding football tournaments in a Russia that ‘invades sovereign countries’.
His comments come after UEFA are reportedly considering stripping Russia of hosting this season’s Champions League final amid the threat of war between Russia and Ukraine. UK health secretary Sajid Javid said on Tuesday morning that Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine after Russian tanks, armoured vehicles and trucks were seen rolling into eastern regions overnight.
Champions League Final 2021/22: UEFA holds urgent talks after Russia-Ukraine crisis
After initially insisting there were ‘no plans’ to move this season’s Champions League final from St Petersburg, UEFA are now discussing alternatives, according to The Times. The report claims that the football governing body are in talks over changing the venue for the showpiece. UEFA could wait to find out who the finalists are to find a location that suits both a possibility.
That would mean the change would come after May 4, the date of the last semi-final, with the showpiece event slated for May 28 at the Krestovsky Stadium in the Russian city of St Petersburg. Four English clubs are competing in the Champions League Round of 16: Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.
The United manager, Ralf Rangnick, said today it was for politicians to decide where the game should be played, but his hope is that further conflict in Europe can be avoided. A statement early on Tuesday read: ‘UEFA is constantly and closely monitoring the situation. At present, there are no plans to change the venue.’
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