The 2022 Champions League final has been moved away from Russia, following the nation’s invasion of Ukraine. The European top competition will now be played in Paris.
The final of Europe’s most prestigious club competition was due to be played in St Petersburg on 28 May.
Formula 1 stands up for Ukraine
In another development, Russia’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, due to take place in Sochi in September, has also been cancelled.
F1 says it is “impossible” to hold the event in “the current circumstances”.
READ ALSO: Russian President Putin warns European countries not to intervene in Ukraine crisis
Also, Formula 1 team Haas have removed their Russian-based sponsor – a company owned by Dmitry Mazepin, a close associate of Vladimir Putin – from their equipment during the final day of pre-season testing in Barcelona. Mazepin’s son, Nikita, is one of Haas’ drivers
The International Olympic Committee also called on International sports federations to move or cancel their sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus.
Manchester United cancel sponsorship deal with Russian company
Meanwhile, Manchester United have terminated their sponsorship deal with Russia’s national airline Aeroflot while Uefa is also set to end its major £30m-a-year sponsorship deal with Russian state-run gas giant Gazprom.
The latest development has also made the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) postpone World Cup 2023 qualifiers involving Netherlands v Russia on 27 February and Great Britain v Belarus that was scheduled a day later.
According to Uefa’s latest statement, the Champions League final would not be held at the Gazprom Arena and would move to the Stade de France in Paris instead.
While thanking French President Emmanuel Macron for “his personal support and commitment” to have the game moved to France at “a time of unparalleled crisis”, UEFA said: “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.”It is the third year running the venue of the Champions League final has been moved – the previous two due to the coronavirus pandemic.
