The Russian Football Federation (RFU) is furious with UEFA, which has moved the Champions League final from Saint Petersburg to Paris because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The RFU believes that sport and politics should remain separate.
In addition to taking the final battle in the billion-dollar ball, Russian clubs are also only allowed to take action in European duels on neutral ground. “The decision is based on political reasons,” RFU chairman Alexander Dyukov said in a statement. “The RFU always uses the principle that sport stays away from politics, so we cannot support this decision.”
The fact that Russian clubs are no longer allowed to play home games in a European context until further notice is also against the sore leg of the RFU. “That decision damages the sport and affects the interests of players, trainers and supporters,” Dyukov said. “We are always ready to prove that we can meet all the requirements to organize safe competitions.”
Russia is also still planning to play the game against Poland in the play-offs of the World Cup at home. The Poles have already indicated that they do not intend to travel to Russia.
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