Urging The Champions League Final Not To Be Held In Russia After Putin Launches Military Operation Against Ukraine, British PM: Inconceivable

Champions League (Twitter.com/@ChampionsLeague)

JAKARTA - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged that the 2021/22 season Champions League final not be held in Russia after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a special military operation to Ukraine.

The 2022 Champions League final is scheduled to take place at the Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg, in May. Britain said it would discuss the location with the relevant governing body.

"I think it's inconceivable that a major international football tournament could take place in Russia after ... an invasion of a sovereign nation," Johnson said when asked if he would push for the Champions League final to be moved.

UK Sports Minister Nadine Dorries said England would raise the issue with football authorities.

"I have serious concerns about sporting events that will be held in Russia, such as the Champions League Final, and will be discussing with the relevant governing bodies," Dorries said in a tweet.

"We will not allow President Putin to exploit events on the world stage to legitimize his illegal invasion of Ukraine."

European football's governing body UEFA said it was monitoring the situation closely.

"With regard to the 2022 UEFA Champions League final in St Petersburg, the UEFA is constantly and closely monitoring the situation and any decisions will be made in due course if necessary," the UEFA told Reuters in a statement.

The 2021 Champions League final, which Chelsea won over Manchester City, was originally set to be played in St Petersburg, but was eventually moved to Porto due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.