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UEFA considers holding the Champions League final in Russia
The UEFA Champions League final is scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg on May 28 this year, but the recent situation between Russia and Ukraine has led to a possible transfer of the venue.
The Union of European Football Federations (UEFA), which is the governing body of European football and which comprises 55 federations, in this case has remained vigilant of what is happening and for this reason a UEFA spokesperson stated:
“Regarding the 2022 UEFA Champions League Final in Saint Petersburg, we would like to inform you that UEFA is constantly closely monitoring the situation and that any decision will be made in due course if necessary. UEFA has no further comment to make at this time."
The grand final of the most important club tournament in Europe will be held, until now, at the Krestovsky stadium, sponsored by the Russian state company Gazprom.
It should be noted that this place was the venue for some matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2020.
On the other hand, the change of venue has already happened before when in 2020 the Champions League final could not be held in Istanbul due to the covid-19 pandemic and the same thing happened in 2021, both finals were held in Lisbon, Portugal.
It should be noted that in terms of European competitions such as the Champions League and Conference League, there are no Russian teams in either the male or female category, nor are any Ukrainian teams classified in the rounds of any tournament endorsed by UEFA that are played on these dates.
But in the Europa League, the Russian Zenit St. Petersburg will play the second leg for the round of 16 against Betis from Spain this Thursday. For its part, Spartak Moscow has already qualified for the round of 16 by finishing first in the group stage.
The game that was postponed was Dynamo Kiev and Sporting Lisbon for the round of 16 of the UEFA Youth League to be held on March 2. The decision was made by UEFA and the date chosen was March 9, however, the governing body is in contact with the clubs to inform them of any new decision.
FIFA is also attentive to qualifying commitments
The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) is also watching the matches of the Russian and Ukrainian national teams. Firstly, Russia will host Poland at the VTB Arena in Moscow on March 24 in the semifinal of the qualifying playoffs for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The winner will face either Sweden or the Czech Republic at home on March 29. On the other hand, Ukraine will play Scotland in Glasgow on March 24 in the semi-final. If they win, they must go to Wales or Austria on March 29 to try to secure their place in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine have commitments to secure a spot for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in April. Namely, Russia will visit Montenegro and Malta on April 7 and 12, and Ukraine will play Scotland and Hungary at home in Kiev on April 8 and 12, respectively.
