UEFA is exploring contingency plans to move this season's Champions League final from Saint Petersburg amid concerns over the possibility of military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Officials at the Union of Europeans Football Associations, sponsoring the Champions League, have been deliberating on whether to hold the May 28 game in Russia city's Gazprom Arena.
The prospect of Saint Petersburg, the base of major Champions League sponsor Gazprom, hosting this season's final is now in doubt, however, due to escalating political tensions between Russia and Western governments.
The UK government and the European Union have served notice in the past 24 hours of a readiness to impose stringent sanctions on Russia following Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration on Monday that his country now recognizes the independence of Ukrainian regions Donetsk and Luhansk.
"With regard to the 2022 UEFA Champions League final in Saint Petersburg, we would like to inform you that UEFA is constantly and closely monitoring the situation and any decision would be made in due course if necessary," a UEFA statement said later on Tuesday.
With four English clubs -- Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and holders Chelsea -- still in the competition, the prospect of a third all-Premier League final in four years has raised the possibility of Wembley stepping in as a host venue, although the home of English football is already penciled in for 2024 final.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson joined calls for Russia to have the game take off them.
