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UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has called an extraordinary meeting for Friday following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
It is understood that contingency plans are being drawn up over where to host this season’s Champions League final, which had been awarded to Russia.
The final is scheduled to take place in St Petersburg’s 68,000-capacity Gazprom Arena on May 28 but Russia’s attack looks likely to force a change of venue.
European football’s governing body is monitoring the situation and said it will “take all necessary decisions” after Friday’s meeting.
General view of the Gazprom Arena, Saint Petersburg
A UEFA statement said: “Following the evolution of the situation between Russia and Ukraine in the last 24 hours, the UEFA president has decided to call an extraordinary meeting of the executive committee for Friday 25 February at 1000 CET (0900 GMT), in order to evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions.
“Further communication will be made after the meeting of the UEFA executive committee.”
Football Supporters Europe had called for an “imminent announcement” over arrangements for the showpiece game.
“On this tragic day, our thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine, our friends, colleagues, members, & their loved ones,” an FSE statement on Twitter read.
“Given the events unfolding, we expect an imminent announcement from UEFA on the relocation of the Champions League final from St Petersburg.”
After changing the venue for the final for the 2020 and 2021 editions due to the coronavirus pandemic, UEFA could be forced into a further switch, but may wait until the latter stages of the competition to see which sides remain in the tournament.
If another all-English final was to occur, like last year’s between Chelsea and Manchester City, there would be pressure to host it in the UK but two major stadiums are already out of bounds.
Wembley is set to host the Sky Bet…
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Source : times
