© REUTERS
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine also jeopardizes the Champions League final in Saint Petersburg. According to the British BBC, it is almost certain that UEFA will look for another location for the final on Saturday 28 May.
Jonas Withouck
Tracey Crouch, the former England Sports Secretary, told the BBC that UEFA should immediately start looking for a new venue for the Champions League final. “UEFA must immediately move the Champions League final from the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg,” Crouch said. “The ban on politicians and officials from traveling to Russia’s 2018 World Cup was just a small signal that Putin didn’t care. UEFA must therefore take a much stronger stance, not least to ensure the safety of traveling fans.”
The Red Devils played the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup at the Gazprom Arena. — © AP
WK-barrages
According to the BBC, UEFA is currently investigating the whole situation before making a decision, but “the European Football Association is ready to look for a new venue,” it said. It is the third year in a row that the final of the Champions League has to divert. The previous two editions took place in Portugal because of the corona pandemic.
Some other matches may also be played at a different location. There is no longer a single Ukrainian team active in Europe, but the Russian Zenit Saint Petersburg still is. In the first leg of the play-off round of the Europa League, Zenit lost 2-3 at home to Real Betis. The return leg in Spain is scheduled for next Thursday.
On March 24, Russia will play at home against Poland in the jump-offs for a World Cup ticket. If Russia wins, it will also play against the winner of Sweden-Czech Republic on March 29. It is possible that UEFA will not let those matches take place in Russia either.
© ISOPIX
