UEFA can take action to oppose Russia

 UEFA can take action to oppose Russia

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has put the European Football Federation (UEFA) under pressure to change the venue of this season's Champions League final.

UEFA is planning to find a new stadium to host the 2021/22 Champions League final, according to ESPN and the Independent. Earlier this season, UEFA chose Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg (Russia) as the venue for the 2022 Champions League final.

British media revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an attack on Ukraine on the morning of February 24 (Hanoi time) to increase pressure on UEFA. Independent sources confirmed that UEFA will definitely change the venue for this season's Champions League final.

Champions League England 1

Krestovsky Stadium, the roof of Zenit St Petersburg club, is likely to lose the right to host the Champions League final this season. Photo: Reuters.

The above decision of UEFA is said to protest against the action of attacking Ukraine from the Russian government, according to the Guardian. However, the change of venue for the Champions League final this season also comes from security reasons for the participating teams or fans. UEFA does not want to hold the final of the European Cup in a country where there is military activity.

The home ground of West Ham Club and Tottenham Hotspur are potential candidates to replace Krestovsky Stadium. West Ham owners are excited about the possibility of hosting the Champions League final this season.

In addition, Wembley Stadium is also a plan considered by UEFA. The round of 16 of the Champions League 2021/22 has just ended the first leg phase. The final of Europe's top club competition is scheduled to take place on May 28.

Since the birth of the Champions League, Russia has only once hosted the final of Europe's top club tournament. In the 2007/08 season, the Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester United was held at Luzhniki Stadium (Moscow).

Last season, UEFA initially wanted to hold the Champions League final at Krestovsky Stadium. However, due to the epidemic prevention regulations of the Russian authorities, the Champions League 2020/21 final has been moved to Porto's Dragao stadium (Portugal).