The sports world is also feeling the effects of tensions between Russia and Ukraine. On Thursday (24/2/2022), Russia began military operations in Ukraine. Russian President, Vladimir Putin, ordered his troops to invade eastern Ukraine. The crisis between the two countries had an impact on a number of sporting activities related to Russia.
In terms of football, the Ukrainian domestic league is actually ready to roll back this weekend after the winter break. However, Ukrainian football at all levels has been suspended. The Ukrainian Football Association has appealed and requested that the Russian national team and clubs not compete in international competitions under the supervision of FIFA and UEFA.
UEFA has moved the Champions League final arena
UEFA as the parent of European football, also moved quickly by moving the venue for the 2021-2022 Champions League final match. The 2021-2022 Champions League final was originally scheduled to take place in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, on 28 May 2022. However, after holding an extraordinary meeting on Friday (25/2/2022), UEFA decided that the Champions League final would be played at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France.
During the extraordinary meeting it was also decided that the Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions would be asked to play their home matches at neutral venues. The decision is effective until further notice from UEFA.
The 2022 World Cup play-off between Russia and Poland is also a question mark due to this situation. Russia are scheduled to play with Poland in Moscow in a World Cup qualifier on March 24, 2022. If they win over Poland, Russia will host the winner between Sweden and the Czech Republic on March 29.
According to Eurosport, Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have written open letters expressing their refusal to play in Russia. Although UEFA has decided that the Russian national team and clubs must play at neutral venues, FIFA has yet to announce the World Cup play-off match.
Termination of Russian Sponsor Contracts
Meanwhile, teams working with Russian sponsors such as Manchester United and Schalke 04 have also taken action as a form of protest against the invasion of Ukraine. Schalke 04 removed the Gazprom logo from their costume.
Gazprom is a Russian multinational energy company. This brand has been a sponsor of Schalke 04 since 2007. Apart from Schalke 04, Gazprom is also a sponsor of the 2021-2022 Champions League. This makes many parties pressure UEFA to terminate the contract with Gazprom.
Manchester United has also terminated cooperation with Aeroflot, a Russian airline that has been their sponsor since 2013. “In light of the events in Ukraine, we have revoked Aeroflot’s sponsorship rights. We are concerned and extend our sympathy to those affected,” the statement said.
F1 Removes Russian GP
Not only football, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also had an impact on Formula 1 (F1). The Russian Grand Prix is one of the series in the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship season. The race is scheduled to take place at the Sochi Circuit on 23-25 September 2022. However, F1 has confirmed they will not hold a race in Russia.
“We watch developments in Ukraine with sadness, surprise and hope for a speedy and peaceful resolution of the current situation. On Thursday night, Formula 1, the FIA and the team discussed the continuity of our sport and the conclusion was that it was impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix under these circumstances.”
Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also urged sports federations to cancel or move all events planned to take place in Russia and its ally, Belarus.
