Conflict between Russia and Ukraine Still open and full of uncertainty. Vladimir PutinRussia’s president last Monday recognized the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk and Lugansk, located in the east of the country, as independent republics. However, this declaration does not imply annexation. And thinking beyond politics, Russia’s position could ultimately affect the world of sport and the world of football more specifically.

Boris Johnson’s first sanctions for the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Precisely the current conflict has an impact on all aspects of society and international relations are affected. Europe, the United States and China are paying close attention to Putin’s next move, but also great Britain. AND Boris JohnsonThe British Prime Minister, has acted accordingly.

Johnson announced on Tuesday several sanctions against five Russian banks and three billionaires after Putin ordered the entry of Russian troops into eastern Ukraine. And one of the fined tycoons is Roman Abramovichowner Chelsea.

Roman Abramovich lifts the Champions League with César Azpilicueta / EuropaPress

The British government points to the Champion

But Johnson also goes a step further, stating that “a more isolated Russia, a Russia that has pariah status, and there is no possibility of holding a football tournament in Russia invading sovereign countriesTherefore, the British prime minister has pointed directly towards Champions League.

And it’s the 28th of May that is scheduled to be played Champions League final at Gazprom Arena —also known as Krestovski Stadium—and that’s where Zenit Saint Petersburg plays.

️ Only days left to the main event of the football season – the @Champions League final.

On May 28, 2022 Saint-Petersburg Russia and @gazprom_arena will host an important match🏆

In celebration of this milestone, #PalaceSquare illuminated by 3D projection pic.twitter.com/8zCnB0dQUB

— Russia �������� (@Russia) February 17, 2022

And still within the British government itself, more specifically Nadine Dorrieswho is Secretary of State, has followed Boris Johnson’s speech via social networks: “I am very concerned about sporting events that have to be held in Russia, such as the Champions League final.and I will discuss with the relevant government agencies”.

It should also be noted that up to four English clubs (Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United) enter the last 16 of Europe’s top football competition. And, because of that, there are many options one of which ends up playing this final. In addition, Chelsea are the current champions of the competition.

“We will not allow President Putin to take advantage of events on the world stage to legitimize his illegal invasion of Ukraine,” Dorries added.

I have serious concerns about sporting events that will be held in Russia, such as the Champions League Final, and will be discussing with the relevant regulatory bodies.

We will not allow President Putin to exploit events on the world stage to legitimize his illegal invasion of Ukraine.

— Nadine Dorries (@NadineDorries) 22 February 2022

However, last Sunday the same UEFA, which organizes the Champions League, already stated through a spokesperson for the DPA agency that “currently no plans” to move the final to another country. But he also explained that “the situation will be evaluated” continuously and, if for safety reasons it is not feasible to play in Saint Petersburg, then a rethink will be carried out. But this change of venue looks like wishful thinking now that Russian gas company Gazprom – one of the main sponsors of the Champions League – was the one in charge of the final being played in Russia.

Main image: The Gazprom Arena before the last European Championship match / EuropaPress