English press reports revealed that the European Football Association (UEFA) may have to move the Champions League final from St. Petersburg, Russia due to the situation between Russia and Ukraine.
The final match of this season is scheduled to be held at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia, on 28 May, as was agreed upon before the start of the tournament.
But according to the English newspaper, Daily Star, the leaders of the UEFA will have no choice but to switch the location of the final in the event of a war breaking out between Russia and Ukraine.
The newspaper pointed out that Wembley Stadium in the English capital, London, would be a potential alternative to the biggest match in club football, especially if two English teams reached the final, as the Champions League final is said to cost more than £60m for the city in question.
UEFA is closely monitoring the Russian-Ukrainian crisis with the aim of developing a contingency plan if necessary.
Last season’s final was moved from Istanbul to Porto just three weeks before kick-off after the Turkish city was placed on the coronavirus red list, barring fans from travelling.
Several major European airlines have announced that they will either suspend or reduce flights to both Ukraine and Russia amid heightened security concerns.
Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and defending champions Chelsea have all reached the knockout stages of the Champions League, and Pep Guardiola’s team has been the bookmaker’s favourite to win the title this season.
