Boris Johnson calls for Russia to be stripped of hosting Champions League final

Boris Johnson says Russia should be stripped of hosting this season’s Champions League final in St Petersburg.

Four English sides – Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United – are in the last 16 of the competition, with the final due to be played in Russia on May 28.

UEFA currently has “no plans” to change the venue  from the 68,000-capacity Gazprom Arena, but says it will continue to monitor the growing Ukraine-Russia crisis.

Prime Minister Johnson, however, has made his mind up over the choice of venue by saying Russia’s “pariah status” following the “renewed invasion” of Ukraine bars them from holding football games on the international stage.

Johnson, speaking after announcing new sanctions on Russian banks and wealthy individuals, told the House of Commons: “A Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status – no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades sovereign countries.

“A Russia that is engaged in a bloody and debilitating conflict with a fellow Slav country. What an appalling result for President Putin.

“I hope that he steps back from the brink and does not conduct a full invasion.”

A Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status – no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades sovereign countries- Boris Johnson

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries also questioned Russia’s legitimacy to hold major sporting events after Russian troops entered eastern Ukraine.

Dorries tweeted: “I have serious concerns about the sporting events due to be held in Russia, such as the Champions League Final, and will discuss with the relevant governing bodies.

“We won’t allow President Putin to exploit events on the world stage to legitimise his