The UEFA Champions League Final could be moved for a second year in a row as tensions reach a new high on the borders between Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.
Events in the region are also likely to have an impact on the Republic of Ireland’s UEFA Nations League ties in the summer.
UEFA are said to be monitoring events in the region with the showpiece of its premier tournament scheduled to take place in St Petersburg in May. To go ahead with the final if the countries are in a state of water, and western sanctions are in place, would be difficult to envisage.
English media are reporting that Wembley is in line as an alternative plan, though the trouble at last year’s Euro 2020 final might need more time to fade from memory. England will play Nations League games against Italy and Hungary in June behind closed doors as a penalty for that so it is unlikely from an optics perspective that Wembley would be in the frame.
An alternative may not be needed but even if it is there is little likelihood of a decision until the potential competing nations become clearer.
Last year’s Final between Chelsea and Man City was switched from Istanbul to Porto as a result of Covid-19.
Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland side is due to face Ukraine in the opening game of the Nations League on June 4th before travelling to Kiev for the return fixture ten days later.
Russia is in Group 2 of League B with scheduled matches against Iceland, Albania and Israel.
Ukraine is due to host Scotland in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier on April 8th, 24 hours after Belarus are due to host Iceland. Russia’s next home game in that tournament is not until September 2nd.
