Russia stripped of Champions League Final [View all]

Several soccer tournaments meant to be held in Russia are being reconsidered due to Russian president Vladimir Putin’s decision to enact violent attacks on the country of Ukraine.

The Champions League Final was one such tournament. It was to be held in St. Petersburg, Russia on May 28 in a stadium which was built for the 2018 World Cup and which was financed by one of UEFS’s major sponsors, Gazprom (a Russian energy company).

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Russia’s response to UCL move

The Russian soccer federation (RFU) did not respond kindly. “We believe that the decision to move the venue of the Champions League final was dictated by political reasons,” said RFU president Alexander Dyukov. “The RFU has always adhered to the principle of ‘sport is out of politics,’ and thus cannot support this decision.”

“The RFU also does not support the decision to transfer any matches involving Russian teams to neutral territory as violating the sports principle and infringing on the interests of players, coaches and fans.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/russia-stripped-of-champions-league-final/ar-AAUiwGQ