For two years, the corona virus pandemic has hit the football world hard with travel restrictions and closed borders across Europe. UEFA, national federations, clubs pushed all possibilities to fulfill the fixtures. However, a new crisis that will affect green fields is at the door.
WORLD AGENDA: UKRAINE – RUSSIA CRISIS
Uncertainties loomed across the continent after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Ukrainian officials stated that the location of the Champions League final, which is scheduled to be played in Russia on May 28, is already being questioned.
WILL THE UKRAINE LEAGUE BE PLAYED?
The worrying prospect of war in Eastern Europe has cast doubt on the play of the Ukrainian Premier League, which will restart after a two-month winter break.
16 league teams have not played since 12 December and the clubs mainly spend their camp period in Turkey. The second half of the Ukrainian Premier League will start on Friday, February 25, with the fourth-placed Mynai and the fourth Zorya Luhansk match. Although no changes are planned in the league schedule, there are doubts as to whether the season will continue and whether it will be completed if it continues.
WHAT IS THE UKRAINE FOOTBALL FEDERATION SAYING?
With the escalating tension in the region, the Premier League and the Ukrainian Football Federation met to discuss the crisis. The parties insist on not taking a step back from the planning for now.
Andriy Pavelko, President of the Ukrainian Football Federation, said, “Stability is very important right now. We want to tell the world that life goes on and that the way to help this issue is to restart our league. We think that the difficult days will be over and peace will be achieved for our country. Frankly, if the situation changes, we will have to evaluate the issue. ” used the phrases.
Pavelko also spoke confidently that his country would be ready for the match against Scotland.
“We look forward to the 2022 World Cup play-offs. It will be one of the most important events of the year for our fans.”
Ukrainian Premier League president Yevhen Dykyy said: “We continue to monitor the situation closely. However, at the moment the season will continue with a match between Mynai and Zorya Luhansk on Friday.” said.
IS THERE A TEAM PLAYING IN THE UKRAINE PREMIER LEAGUE IN DONETSK AND LUHANSK REGION?
There is a team in the high tension region of the country; Mariupol Located at the bottom of the league, Mariupol is only 35 km from the border proclaimed as the Donetsk People’s Republic. Mariupol will play their next home game on March 11 against Inhulets.
Shakhtar Donetsk and Zorya Luhansk moved to their new home in 2014 after conflicts flared up. Donetsk has played its matches in the capital, Kiev, since 2020, while Luhansk has been playing in Zaporizhzhia, in southern Ukraine.
CAN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL FROM RUSSIA?
The UEFA Champions League final will take place on 28 May in St. It will be played in St. Petersburg. In Britain, which is preparing for sanctions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson demands that Russia stop hosting the final.
Former sports minister Tracey Crouch is one of those urging UEFA to reconsider the decision. “UEFA should urgently reconsider its decision to hold the Champions League final in Russia after Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine,” Crouch told PoliticsHome.
If the final changes address, UEFA may experience a déjà vu. It could be the year authorities will try to find a new alternative for the grand finale. As it will be remembered; In 2019-20, the final plans at Istanbul Atatürk Stadium were canceled due to Covid-19 and the final matches were played in Portugal.