The Champions League final is set to be moved from St Petersburg if Russia continues in its attempts to invade Ukraine but its new venue may not be confirmed until four weeks before it is due to take place on May 28.
UEFA met yesterday to discuss the showpiece after Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into Ukraine and while no final decision was made continuing as planned during a conflict is untenable. Both nations are members of European football's governing body.
While a statement released afterwards said that UEFA is "constantly and closely monitoring the situation and any decision would be made in due course if necessary", the game will not take place in a country that is at war with another member nation.
But, as first reported by The Times, the replacement city may not be confirmed until after the semi-finals because UEFA is determined to ensure one team does not gain a geographical advantage.
That means Munich's Allianz Arena, for example, would be ruled out of contention should Bayern reach the showpiece. Wembley Stadium is unlikely to host the game because the Sky Bet Championship play-off final is already scheduled for May 28.
Last season's relocation from Istanbul to Porto, owing to coronavirus restrictions, was made with about a fortnight of notice and the governing body believes that it can successfully manage a quick turnaround again.
The British government yesterday ramped up the pressure on sporting bodies to sanction Russia.
"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," culture secretary Nadine Dorries said.
"We won’t allow President Putin to exploit events on the world stage to legitimise his illegal invasion of Ukraine."
