Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom wants the Champions League final to be moved out of St. Petersburg, Russia after “the invasion of a sovereign country”.
The final of the biggest football event of the year is scheduled to take place at the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg on 28 May.
With the tensions escalating at the eastern border of Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops to enter the country, UK prime minister Boris Johnson has urged the UEFA to strip Russia from hosting the Champions League final.
UEFA has not taken any decision on the same but it is said to be “watching the movements closely”.
The UK is among the several countries that have imposed economical sanctions on Russia. Speaking in the British parliament, PM Johnson said, “No chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades sovereign countries.”
Putin’s venture in Ukraine must fail and must be seen to fail.
That will require the perseverance, the unity and the resolve of the entire Western Alliance, and the UK will do everything possible to ensure that that unity is maintained. pic.twitter.com/r1UMw6oTZ2
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) February 22, 2022
Four English teams – Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool – competing in the round of 16 of the UCL. Last year, the final was between City and Chelsea. Thus, the dominance of English teams on the Champions League could play a key role in how things would pan out.
Take in the anthem…#UCL pic.twitter.com/qUZ7OMQ2CP
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 22, 2022
In his pre-match press conference, Manchester United coach Ralf Rangnick said that resolving the ongoing tensions at the Ukraine-Russia border is “more important than the Champions League”. United will play Spanish side, Atletico Madrid in their next Round of 16 match.
UK has slapped targeted economic sanctions against five Russian banks and three wealthy individuals.
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