Paris will host the 2022 Champions League final after UEFA stripped Saint Petersburg of hosting the match after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Russian troops continue to advance in Ukraine on Friday, prompted widespread condemnation and sanctions from world leaders.
The decision to move the game to the Stade de France, which last hosted the Champions League final in 2006 when Barcelona beat Arsenal to lift the European Cup for the second time, was confirmed during an extraordinary meeting of the Committee. run UEFA on Friday.
The governing body said in a statement, “The UEFA Executive Committee today held an extraordinary meeting following the serious escalation of the security situation in Europe.
“The UEFA Executive Committee has decided to move the UEFA Men’s Champions League 2021-22 final from Saint Petersburg to the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The match will take place as originally scheduled on Saturday, the day May 28 at 9pm CET. [3 p.m. ET].
“UEFA would like to express its thanks and appreciation to the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment so that Europe’s most prestigious match in European football is moved to France during this critical time. unprecedented panic.
“Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support the multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for footballers and their families in Ukraine, who are facing the human suffering, destruction and displacement.
The Kremlin on Friday said it regretted UEFA’s decision, adding that the city would be a good host for a “soccer carnival.”
Krestovsky Stadium was previously the venue for the final on May 28 after it was initially awarded in 2021, which was later postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The President of the Russian Football Federation (RFU), Alexander Dyukov, said in a statement: “We believe that the decision to move the venue for the Champions League final was for political reasons.
“RFU has always adhered to the principle of ‘sports not out of politics’, and therefore cannot support this decision.”
The International Olympic Committee has urged sports federations to move or cancel events in Russia and Belarus, describing the invasion of Ukraine as a “violation of the Olympic Truce.”
Despite the prospect of Paris Saint-Germain play in this season’s Champions League final – PSG go to Real Madrid for the second leg of next month’s round of 16 with a 1-0 advantage from the first match at the Parc des Princes – UEFA has chosen Paris as the venue due to the French capital’s ability to host a large number of potential visitors. up to 100,000 people. tourism advocates.
UEFA also announced 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. new newspaper.
The decision will affect Spartak Moscow, who are scheduled to enter the round of 16 of the Europa League next month.
