Russia Has Responded After being Told That They’ve Lost the Rights to Host 2022 UEFA Champions League

On 25 February, UEFA had officially voted to move the 2022 Champions League Final from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Paris in light of the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Russia has since expressed regret over the UEFA’s decision to strip the country of the right to host the 2022 UEFA Champions League final which was scheduled to take place at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg on 28 May.

Now, the 2022 UEFA Champions League final will be held in State de France located in Paris instead.

In their statement, the UEFA had also thanked French President Emmanuel Macron “for his personal support and commitment” to hosting the game “at a time of unparalleled crisis.”

Now, how did Russia respond to this?

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Response from Russia and Others on UEFA Venue Change

“It’s a pity, of course, that such a decision was made,” said Dimitry Peskov, press secretary of the President of the Russian Federation country.

When probed if he thought the decision was politically motivated, the press secretary replied “No,” and clarified that all he did was to “express regret.”

The UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has also expressed support for the UEFA’s decision to change the venue of the Champions League final as she said that “Russia must not be allowed to exploit sporting and cultural events on the world stage to legitimise” its invasion of Ukraine.

Further Changes Due to Ongoing Conflict Between Russia and Ukraine

Besides that, the UEFA has also decided that the club and national teams competing in European competitions in both Russia and Ukraine will have to play at neutral venues.

The UEFA have also voiced their support for “multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction, and displacement.”

FIFA had also expressed “hope for a rapid cessation of hostilities and peace in Ukraine,” and that it condemns “the use of force by Russia in Ukraine, and any type of violence to resolve conflicts.”

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Featured Image: Facebook (UEFA)