MY ACCOUNT
UEFA-partnered fan group Football Supporters Europe (FSE) have publicly called for the relocation of May’s Champions League final – currently set for the Russian city of St Petersburg – after the country launched an attack on neighbouring Ukraine.
Russian president Vladimir Putin opted to launch a military assault on Ukraine on Thursday, having previously recognised the independence of two breakaway regions in the east of the country.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, responded by cutting diplomatic ties with Moscow and announcing the imposition of martial law.
As such, pressure is growing on UEFA to move European club football’s biggest game away from the Gazprom Arena as a result of Russia’s actions.
The FSE, an independent fans’ organisation recognised as a representative association on fan issues by the likes of UEFA and the Council of Europe, want the governing body to strip Russia of the showpiece event.
A post on the FSE’s official Twitter account said: “On this tragic day, our thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine, our friends, colleagues, members and their loved ones.
“Given the events unfolding, we expect an imminent announcement from UEFA on the relocation of the Champions League final from St Petersburg.”
Last season’s final between Chelsea and Manchester City was relocated to Porto from Istanbul with only two fortnight’s notice as Turkey was on the United Kingdom’s ‘red’ list, meaning fans were urged not to travel for the game due to coronavirus risk levels.
And UEFA have called an extraordinary meeting of the executive committee tomorrow to evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions
