Uefa has confirmed that Saint Petersburg has been stripped of hosting the 2022 Champions League final, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The showpiece fixture on Saturday 28 May will now be held at the 80,000-capacity Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris.
In a statement European football’s governing body said: “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.”
This is the third year in a row that the Champions League final has been moved. The 2020 and 2021 finals were both switched because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
F1 Russian Grand Prix cancelled
Formula 1 has also announced that the 2022 Russian Grand Prix has been cancelled. The race was scheduled to be held at the Sochi Autodrom from 23-25 September.
“The FIA Formula 1 World Championship visits countries all over the world with a positive vision to unite people, bringing nations together,” an F1 statement said. “We are watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation.
“On Thursday evening Formula 1, the FIA, and the teams discussed the position of our sport, and the conclusion is, including the view of all relevant stakeholders, that it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances.”
A replacement venue has yet to be confirmed.
Main image: Uefa