London (dpa) – In view of the recognition of the eastern Ukrainian separatist areas by Russia, there are calls for the Champions League final to be moved from the Russian city of St. Petersburg.
The European Football Union UEFA announced that there were “currently no plans to change the venue”. The situation is being closely monitored. According to information from the German Press Agency, the association will advise again on Tuesday about how to proceed.
British foreign policy expert Tom Tugendhat sharply criticized UEFA. “This is a shameful decision. UEFA should not provide cover for a violent dictatorship,” the Conservative politician tweeted.
With regard to international matches of the Russian champions Zenit St. Petersburg, UEFA said it was in close contact with the national associations and clubs concerned. “It is currently planned that all games will take place as planned,” it said. Zenit meet Betis Sevilla in the Europa League second leg in Spain this Thursday.
The final of Europe’s premier club football competition is scheduled to take place on May 28 in St. Petersburg, the hometown of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite international protests, the head of the Kremlin recently recognized the self-proclaimed people’s republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine as independent and sent Russian troops into the areas. Great Britain, the EU and the USA immediately announced sanctions.