UEFA is considering moving its Champions League final away from St Petersburg’s Gazprom Arena after Russian troops entered east Ukraine. English press reports revealed that the European Football Association  UEFA is 'almost certain' to move the 2022 Champions League final away from St Petersburg as the Russia-Ukraine crisis escalates.
UEFA met yesterday to discuss the showpiece after Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine and while no final decision was made continuing as planned during a conflict is untenable. Both nations are members of European football's governing body.
While a statement released afterwards said that UEFA is "constantly and closely monitoring the situation and any decision would be made in due course if necessary", the game will not take place in a country that is at war with another member nation.
UEFA issued an official statement on Tuesday: “There are no plans to change the stadium of the 2022 Champions League final, we are constantly monitoring the situation closely, and we insist that no decision has been taken yet.
According to "The Times" newspaper, Russia's dispatch of military forces to eastern Ukraine made UEFA modify its position regarding the transfer of the Champions League final from Russia to anywhere else.
The newspaper added that Wembley Stadium, in addition to the new Tottenham stadium both are the most prominent candidates to host the final match of the Champions League this season.
The final match of this season is scheduled to be held at Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg, Russia, on May 28, as it is decided in advance before the start of the tournament.
Last season's final was moved from Istanbul to Porto just three weeks before the start of the match, after the Turkish city was placed on the red list for the Covid-19 pandemic.