UEFA has confirmed on Twitter that “the UEFA president has called an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee for 10:00 CET on Friday 25 February, in order to evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions”, following Russian forces invading Ukraine from three sides, while explosions were heard in a number of cities around the country, in an attack that began before dawn on Thursday.
As early as Tuesday rumors began to circulate that the European governing body of soccer began to consider the idea of moving the final from Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg which is slated for May 28th. Now according to a source from the Associated Press the decision has all been confirmed, but will be announced publicly on Friday.
In the last two seasons UEFA has been forced to move the UEFA Champions League final on short notice, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and UEFA officials feel that given those experiences moving the final from Russia should not present any major issues, yet.
Where would UEFA move the Champions League final?
According to anESPN report a possible venue for the final if moved would be Wembley stadium. The prospect of an all-English final is there with four clubs still alive in the competition, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and current champions Chelsea.
With travel bans lifting across Europe many supporters will be able to travel to the final and UEFA knows if they decide to move the venue it will have to be sooner rather than later.
Reactions from teams and players following Russian invasion of Ukraine
Once the invasion was confirmed various players and clubs took to Twitter, with arguably the greatest Ukrainian player of all-time, Andriy Shevchenko, stating on Twitter, “Ukraine is my motherland! I have always been proud of my people and my country! We have gone through many difficult times, and over the past 30 years we have formed as a nation! A nation of sincere, hardworking, and freedom-loving citizens! This is our most important asset! Today is a difficult time for all of us. But we must unite! In unity we will win! Glory to Ukraine!”
While Carlos De Pena, a Uruguayan soccer player who plays for Dynamo Kyiv since 2019 tweeted, “The situation is grave, am here in Kyiv, my family, thank God, are in Uruguay. All I ask is for you to pray and that everything will be alright”, showcasing the other side to this conflict.
Other Ukrainian clubs have also tweeted messages with the Ukrainian flag in support of their country.