By In reaction to the tensions in Europe following the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has declared that Russia will no longer host the 2021/2022 UEFA Men’s Champions League final.
The UEFA Executive Committee made the decision at its extraordinary meeting, on Friday.
According to a statement on UEFA website, the final which was initially billed to hold at Saint Petersburg in Russia will now be played at the Stade de France in France on Saturday, May 28, 2022.
The European football governing body also decided that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.
“UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis. 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,” the statement read in part.
“At today’s meeting, the UEFA Executive Committee also decided that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.
“The UEFA Executive Committee further determined to remain on standby to convene further extraordinary meetings, on a regular ongoing basis where required, to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary.”
