UEFA strips Russia of hosting right, move Champions League final to France

UEFA strips Russia of hosting right, move Champions League final to France

UEFA has moved this year’s Champions League final to France after it withdrew the right from Russia for invading Ukraine.

Originally billed to hold at St. Petersburg stadium, it will not hold at the Stade de France, UEFA announced on Friday.

The decision was reached after an extraordinary meeting held by the Executive Committee resulting from the escalation of the security situation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Among the decisions taken was the change of venues for national team and clubs football engagements for both countries. World Cup qualifying matches will now be played at neutral venues until further notice.

It was reported plans by Europe’s football governing body to withdraw the rights from Russia.

A statement to this effect on UEFA’s website reads, “The UEFA Executive Committee today held an extraordinary meeting following the grave escalation of the security situation in Europe.

“The UEFA Executive Committee decided to relocate the final of the 2021/22 UEFA Men’s Champions League from Saint Petersburg to Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The game will be played as initially scheduled on Saturday 28 May at 21:00 CET.

“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.

“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.”