Champions League final could be switched to London as UEFA consider options

The final is due to be played in Russia on May 28 at the 68,000-capacity Gazprom Arena and UEFA says it will continue to monitor the growing Ukraine-Russia crisis.

Now the BBC are reporting that UEFA will 'almost certainly' move the game out of St Petersburg, with the governing body of European football confirming they are "closely monitoring the situation" and "any decision would be made in due course if necessary".

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has joined the calls for Russia to 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.

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."

London has emerged as a possible venue to stage the Champions League final, with Tottenham's new stadium and Wembley reported to be in the running.