Russia should be stripped of the "privilege" of hosting the Champions League Final after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Boris Johnson have said
Calls are growing for UEFA chiefs to move the final leg of the competition, due to be held in St Petersburg May 29, to Wembley to punish Moscow for breaking international law.
It comes after the Russian President ordered tanks to cross the Ukrainian border into two breakaway regions of Ukraine, following his rambling TV address to the nation.
The Mayor of London said it was vital "to show Putin he cannot act with impunity" and that the capital "stands ready" to host the contest.
He said: “London stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine and we all hope and pray that this incredibly dangerous situation can be de-escalated.
“I support the Government’s decision to bring forward a wholesale package of sanctions and it is vital the international community does the same, to show Putin he cannot act with impunity.
“Hosting international sporting tournaments is a privilege and it cannot be right that Russia is allowed to remain the host of the Champions League final in May now that its troops have marched into eastern Ukraine in a gross violation of international law.
“Wherever the final ends up being held, it is clear that staging it in Russia is now untenable. London stands ready to help in any way needed.”
The Prime Minister echoed those sentiments in Parliament, saying no country with such "pariah status" should hold contests.
He was responding to Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, who had demanded the PM “push for this year’s Champions League Final to be moved from St Petersburg.”
He said: “I think it inconceivable that major international football tournaments can take place in Russia after the invasion of a sovereign country.”
The PM added: "It is that absolutely vital in this critical moment that President Putin understands that what he is doing is going to be a disaster for Russia.
"And it is clear from the response of the world to what he has done already in Donbass, he is going to end up with a Russia that is poorer as the result of the sanctions that the world will implement, a Russia that is more isolated, a Russia that has pariah status - no chance of holding football tournaments in a Russia that invades a sovereign countries."
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, meanwhile, said President Putin should not be allowed to “exploit” events like the Champions League final to legitimise the invasion of Ukraine.
“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,” she said.
“We won’t allow President Putin to exploit events on the world stage to legitimise his illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
