Ukrainian crisis: the Champions League final in Saint Petersburg threatened
Parisian Kylian Mbappé against Real Madrid, in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League, February 15, 2022 (illustration image).
REUTERS - SARAH MEYSSONNIER
Text by: Farid Achache Follow
3 mins
Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine at dawn on Thursday, February 24, with airstrikes across the country, particularly on the capital, Kiev.
Before this event, Boris Johnson had called for the final of the European competition in Saint Petersburg on May 28 not to be maintained.
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Will the situation in Ukraine lead UEFA to
change the venue
of the 2021-2022 Champions League final?
This should theoretically take place on Saturday, May 28, in Saint Petersburg, the birthplace of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin.
After the announcement of Russia's recognition on Monday February 21 of the independence of the two pro-Russian separatist territories in eastern Ukraine - the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk - Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister, had said: "
There is no chance of organizing football tournaments in a Russia that is invading sovereign countries
".
UEFA would seriously consider relocating the final
"
It is absolutely vital at this critical time that President Putin understands that what he is doing will be a disaster for Russia
," added Boris Johnson, who announced sanctions against Russian banks and oligarchs.
His foreign minister, Liz Truss, had demanded that any English club that qualified for the final should boycott it if it were to be held in St Petersburg.
Four British clubs (Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United) are still in contention in the competition.
Polish Sports Minister Kamil Bortniczuk also asked to move the Champions League final.
UEFA are seriously considering relocating the final.
According to the British daily
The Guardian
, the European body would be under significant pressure to move the meeting.
The final had already been relocated, due to the Covid-19 crisis, over the past two seasons.
"
UEFA is constantly and closely monitoring the situation and any decision would be taken in due course if necessary
," European football's governing body said in a statement.
Wembley Stadium in London could serve as a fallback.
Gazprom would offer 40 million euros per season to UEFA
Even if the Russian clubs are not important players on the ground, the financial weight of Russia is important in the most prestigious of European competitions.
Indeed, the Russian gas company Gazprom is at the heart of European football and has long-standing commercial agreements with UEFA.
The stadium in Saint Petersburg is called the Gazprom Arena.
Gazprom, main sponsor of the competition since 2012, would offer 40 million euros per season to UEFA to sponsor the Champions League, according to SportBusiness Sponsorship.
Gazprom is also the main sponsor of the German team Shalke 04.
To celebrate his goal which led to the draw between
Benfica and Ajax Amsterdam
(2-2) on Wednesday February 23 in the round of 16 first leg of the C1, Ukrainian striker Roman Yaremchuk showed a black jersey bearing the crest of Ukraine, also called the
Tryzub
.
A few hours later, Russia launched an invasion in his country.
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