In response to the potential of confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, UEFA is considering relocating this season’s Champions League final away from St Petersburg.
As a result of Russia’s decision to invade a sovereign country, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson says there is no prospect to allow Russia to host major football tournaments. The Champions League will begin on May 28 at the Gazprom Arena. But the venue is currently under review, with UEFA optimistic that it will be able to modify it.
The governing body has moved significant events in the past. This includes the previous two Champions League finals, on short notice. In 2021 final, we saw Chelsea defeat Manchester City. The match was scheduled to take place in Saint Petersburg. But due to Covid travel restrictions. The tournament had to move to Porto. If Saint Petersburg loses its hosting rights, Wembley might be a viable alternative. Despite the English Football League play-offs being scheduled for the same weekend.
Other competition matches may need to reschedule. There are no Ukrainian teams remaining in any other European competition this season. Although Zenit St Petersburg of Russia is still in the Europa League and will face Real Betis in the second leg of their play-off round tie on Thursday in Spain. Zenit was defeated 3-2 at home in the first leg.
The governing body of European football is reviewing the situation before making a decision, but for the third year in a row, it will be looking for a replacement venue on short notice. Because of Covid-19-related concerns, the previous two Champions League finals were held in Portugal.
The game will still take place on Saturday, May 28. This will certainly rule Wembley out as a venue. There will be scheduled League Two and Championship play-off finals there. Uefa is in talks with Dynamo Kyiv and Sporting Lisbon about their Youth League last-16 match, which is set to take place on March 2 in Kyiv.
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