After Russia has almost declared war on Ukraine, UEFA have decided to move the venue of the UEFA Champions League 2021-22 final from St. Petersburg. There have been many protests against Russia as well. German club Schalke have removed the logo of Russia state-owned energy giant Gazprom who is their main sponsor.
“Following the evolution of the situation between Russia and Ukraine in the last 24 hours, the UEFA president has decided to call an extraordinary meeting of the executive committee …. in order to evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions,” UEFA said in a statement.
OFFICIAL: UEFA have moved the 2021-22 Champions League final from Russia to France
Now UEFA have made the official call as they changed the venue of the 2021-22 Champions League final from Saint Petersburg, Russia to Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France.
The Champions League final will go ahead as initially scheduled on Saturday 28th May 2022 at 21:00 CET.
UEFA said in their official statement: “UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis. Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement.”
Due to the war going on between the two countries, the Champions League football matches will have to be moved outside of the countries and played in neutral venues.
UEFA said: “At today’s meeting, the UEFA Executive Committee also decided that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.”