Football
Champions League Final Moved to France from Russia
by privatebet.com - 2022/02/25
As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates, many are taking steps to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine – including UEFA. The Champions League final was set to take place in Saint Petersburg later this year, but it’s been moved to Paris in the light of recent events. The 80,000-seat Stade de France will serve as the new venue for the Champions League final, set to take place on May 28. UEFA released an official statement announcing their decision on Friday morning, explaining they changed the venue “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,” reads the statement released by UEFA. The statement also revealed that the UEFA Executive Committee decided that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will have to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice. Stade de France hosted the Champions League final on two separate occasions in the past, most recently in 2006. Chelsea entered the tournament as title holders, but the upcoming quarter-finals and semi-finals games will determine if they’ll be able to defend their title.