agencies
Posted on: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 – 1:17 AM | Last update: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 – 1:17 AM
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is targeting moving the Champions League final as the crisis between Russia and Ukraine deepens, which is set to be held in St Petersburg on May 28.
English clubs could dominate the Champions League for the third time, in four years after Chelsea beat Manchester City last year and Liverpool beat Tottenham in 2018.
But the impending final is now likely to be pushed back from Russia after the country sent troops into eastern Ukraine with fears that a massive invasion is planned.
“It is very important at this critical moment that President Putin understands that what he is doing will be a disaster for Russia,” Johnson said in comments published by the English newspaper “The Sun”.
He added, “Russia will become more isolated and pariah, and there is no chance to hold football tournaments there because it will invade sovereign countries.”
Culture Minister Nadine Doris confirmed that she also has serious concerns about sporting events scheduled to take place in Russia, such as the Champions League final, and will discuss the matter with the relevant governing bodies.
Former British Sports Minister Tracey Crouch has called on the European Football Association (UEFA) to move the Champions League final from Russia.
“Given the British and European condemnation of the Russian move in Ukraine, UEFA must move the Champions League final from St Petersburg immediately,” she said.
“The ban on politicians and officials who traveled to the 2018 World Cup where Russia hosted it was a soft message to President Putin that didn’t make much difference, so UEFA needs to take a much stronger position, not least ensuring the safety of traveling fans.”