Ukraine crisis: Uefa likely to move Champions League final from St Petersburg in Russia

Uefa is almost certain to switch this season's Champions League final away from St Petersburg amid the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

Russia has sent troops into two rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine and there are fears an invasion is planned.

Several countries, including the UK, are expected to introduce sanctions against Russia in response to the move.

And against that backdrop, Uefa is viewed as being highly unlikely to attempt to host the game in Russia.

Former UK sports minister Tracey Crouch has told BBC Sport that Uefa should «immediately» move the final.

European football's governing body is assessing the whole situation before making a decision on the matter but it is set to be looking for a new venue at short notice for the third year running. The last two Champions League finals were played in Portugal because of Covid-19 related issues.

BBC Sport understands the game will still be played on Saturday, 28 May, which is likely to rule Wembley out as a host as the League Two and Championship play-off finals are set to be played at the stadium over that weekend.

Uefa is already in talks with Dynamo Kyiv and Sporting Lisbon over their Youth League last-16 tie which is scheduled to be played in the Ukraine capital on 2 March.

There are no teams from Ukraine left in any other European competition this season but Russian club Zenit St Petersburg are still in the Europa League and are due to play the second-leg of their play-off round tie with Real Betis in Spain on Thursday. Zenit lost the home leg 3-2.

Russia are also scheduled to host Poland in a World Cup play-off on 24 March and — if they win — would face Sweden or Czech Republic on 29 March.

Ukraine are also in the World Cup play-offs, and visit Scotland and then either Wales